For Immediate Release

Portland, ME – At approximately 5:30 PM Friday, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Maine Violent Offender Task Force apprehended Arien L’Italien, age 22, on Mellen Street in Portland, Maine. This individual was wanted on a felony arrest warrant from Biddeford Police on a charge of Aggravated Assault.

During the apprehension the subject drew and fired a handgun at the officers who in turn returned fire, shooting L’Italien. The suspect was transported to Maine Medical Center where he is reported to be in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were hit in the exchange of gunfire.

Portland Police along with the FBI and the Maine Attorney General’s Office are assisting in the ongoing investigation. L’Italien is expected to face additional criminal charges as a result of his actions.

Noel C. March, the United States Marshal for the District of Maine, says, “These are the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily in the pursuit of dangerous criminals. Thankfully, no innocent bystanders or members of our police were injured as a result of this armed felon”.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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