Man brandishing gun shot dead by officers

GARDINER – A 28-year-old man was fatally shot Friday after an armed confrontation with police in South Gardiner. The state attorney general’s office is investigating.

Witnesses say Jason Wentzell of Vassalboro was waving a rifle while standing on Route 24 Friday afternoon. A Gardiner officer and state trooper were called to the scene. It’s not clear what set off the shooting or who shot Wentzell, but authorities say both the Gardiner officer and trooper discharged their weapons.

Gardiner Police Chief James Toman said this was the first police shooting in Gardiner.

Toman said Gardiner police Officer James Gioia fired his weapon. The Attorney General’s Office said state Trooper Chris Rogers also discharged his weapon.