MEXICO, Maine — Officials confirmed Tuesday that a man killed in a police standoff Sunday night did not die from self-inflicted wounds.
Steven Piirainen, 52, of South Paris died from gunshot wounds to his neck and chest, according to Attorney General Spokesman Tim Feeley.
The two officers who fired at Piirainen — State Trooper Paul Casey and Mexico Reserve Officer Dean Benson — have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in shootings involving police.
According to Maine State Police Spokesman Stephen McCausland, Piirainen allegedly stole a pickup truck in Paris and led police on a pursuit to a convenience store in Mexico. He also exchanged gunfire with police and was found dead inside the truck.
The attorney general’s office continues to investigate the case.
