HERMON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Hermon man in a standoff with police Sunday night died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head according to the Maine Medical Examiner's Office.
A spokesperson from the Attorney General's office said 24-year-old Michael McKay had an "armed confrontation" with police at his home at 2007 Buck Lane in Hermon after allegedly threatening two people in Kenduskeag.
According to Maine State Police Lt. Cl. Raymond Bessette, McKay shot a vehicle parked outside of 36 CD Way in Kenduskeag around 5:30 p.m.
A witness living beside that home reported the shots to police before McKay left for his Hermon home.
According to neighbor Craig McPherson, McKay came to the house because his ex-wife was visiting the homeowner.
"[The homeowner] came over to my house, opened the door, and yelled called the cops," said McPherson.
"I said, 'What's going on over there, anyways?' And he says there's a gun. And I heard three shots, and then he pulled out of here, and I called the cops," said McPherson.
He said he thinks McKay was angered that his ex-wife was seeing another man.
"He said they wouldn't take him out alive," said McPherson. "It's horrible."
The Maine State Police Tactical Team worked with the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department to handle the standoff situation.
According to AG spokesperson Brenda Kielty, State Police Trooper Gregory Roy shot McKay in the leg before McKay took his own life.
Per protocol, the State Police Trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave as the AG's Office investigates.
According to Lt. Cl. Bessette, Maine State Police are trained to shoot in certain standoff circumstances, including:
- When a police officer is in danger
- When a third party is in danger
- When the suspect is a known felon who poses a continued threat to the community
This is the second standoff in one week.
Raymond Baker, 47, of Lagrange, has pleaded not guilty to charges included domestic violence, assault, and criminal restraint following a standoff at his Lagrange home last Thursday.
NEWS CENTER