Mark Tschamler, 69, died Monday night after police say he was attacked inside a Portland apartment, setting off a confrontation that ended with officers shooting the man accused in the assault.
Police identified the suspect as Brian Oliver, 41, of Portland. Oliver was also wounded when two officers opened fire after police said he refused orders to drop a weapon during the incident on Colonial Road.
The call came in at about 8:16 p.m. Monday after police received a report of a disturbance at an apartment. When officers arrived, a tenant met them and led them toward the residence.
The tenant went inside ahead of the officers. Moments later, the person came running back toward the officers, screaming. Police then entered the apartment and found what they described as an active incident involving Tschamler and Oliver.
According to police, officers saw Oliver assaulting Tschamler. Two officers confronted Oliver and ordered him to drop the weapon. Police said Oliver did not follow those commands, and the officers fired their weapons.
Police have not said what type of weapon Oliver allegedly had. They also have not released a full account of what happened inside the apartment before officers arrived or explained what led to the original disturbance call.
Tschamler was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said his death resulted from injuries suffered during the reported assault. Oliver was also injured in the shooting and was taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment. He remained in police custody while receiving medical care.
Oliver is expected to face a murder charge in connection with Tschamler’s death. The case is still in its early stages, and the allegations against Oliver have not been decided in court.
The two officers who fired their weapons were placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated. The police shooting is being reviewed separately from the criminal investigation into Tschamler’s death.
Police have not released information about any relationship between Oliver and Tschamler. Authorities also have not said whether anyone else was hurt during the incident or provided further details about the evidence that will support the expected murder charge.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the events inside the Colonial Road apartment, including the moments before officers entered and what happened during the confrontation.
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