Auburn Police Standoff Leads to Explosions and Fires on Russell Avenue
Suspect Killed and One Man Missing After Intense Auburn Standoff
According to a report from Maine Public, an intense police standoff in Auburn early Saturday morning resulted in explosions, gunfire, and multiple homes catching fire. One man remains unaccounted for, while the suspect has been killed. Auburn Police Deputy Chief Timothy Cougle explained that the incident began when 43-year-old Leein Hinkley attempted to break into a residence on Russell Avenue. After the resident fled, Hinkley set the house ablaze and fired at police officers. He subsequently moved to a second house, which also caught fire, and hid on a nearby rooftop. Hinkley was eventually shot and killed by members of the Maine State Police Tactical Team.
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43-Year-Old Felon Leein Hinkley’s Deadly Confrontation with Police Ends in Fatal Shootout in Auburn, Maine (PHOTO: Fox 23 Maine)
Leein Hinkley’s Long Criminal History and Bail Release Criticized After Deadly Auburn Standoff
Leein Hinkley, who had a significant criminal record, was released on bail shortly before the incident, despite objections from the District Attorney’s Office. According to Colonel William Ross of the Maine State Police, Hinkley was already in custody for violating probation stemming from a 2011 domestic violence assault and a recent domestic violence arrest. Despite strict bail conditions, such as avoiding contact with the victim and staying away from Russell Avenue, Hinkley proceeded with the deadly standoff.
Leein Hinkley’s violent past included a 2012 conviction for stabbing his ex-girlfriend and a Good Samaritan, leading to a 15-year prison sentence and six years of probation. Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Worden, who handled the case, said the system failed to protect the victim, who still lives in fear of Leein Hinkley. Worden criticized the court system for not seeing Leein Hinkley as a major threat and stressed the need for better oversight to prevent such tragedies.
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