Autopsy: Rumford officer killed by warden's shots

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- An autopsy has determined that a Rumford police officer who was fatally shot during an armed confrontation died from gunshot wounds from three rounds fired by a game warden.

Attorney General William Schneider said Friday that 46-year-old Eric Richard died as a result of three wounds he suffered when he was shot by Warden Jeremy Judd.

Richard was killed Thursday morning in a wooded area of Rumford. The Maine Warden Service and state police troopers with a tracking dog were helping Rumford police search for Richard, who was armed and had been reported as despondent.

Warden Service Col. Joel Wilkinson says Judd has put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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I feel so sorry for this young Maine Warden. It is terrible when an officer is forced to discharge his weapon and when he is forced to do so at a suicidal administrative member of a police department he knows, it is even worse. Suicide is terrible for family and friends, suicide by cop adds the cop who must shoot to protect himself and/or the public as another victim. In this case it is even sadder since Warden Judd probably knew Mr. Richard at least in passing from running into him while Mr. Richard worked in the office of RPD and the Warden attend court at town hall.

Hopefully the investigation will be completed quickly clearing Warden Judd and he will receive any needed counseling and support he needs so he can quickly, safely, and comfortably return to work.

Best wishes to Warden Judd, his family, and collegues during this difficult time.