Afghanistan Veteran, Army Ranger with PTSD killed by police

Farmington police say man shot dead confronted officer with a knife

By Terry Karkos, Sun Journal n                                                      
Posted Nov. 20, 2011, at 6:03 a.m.

Submitted photo

Justin Crowley-Smilek

FARMINGTON, Maine — The family of a man shot to death by a policeman Saturday morning said he was an Army Ranger suffering from severe combat stress from a major battle in Afghanistan about six years ago.

Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck said Justin Crowley-Smilek, 28, of Farmington initially sought help from an officer inside the police station off Route 2.

When an officer came outside the police station to assist him, Peck said Crowley-Smilek pulled a large knife from his pocket, raised it and moved aggressively toward the officer, who shot and killed him.

Michael Smilek said he thinks his son Justin was trying to get help by acting homicidal toward the officer. So, too, did Justin’s mother, Ruth Crowley of Portland, Ore.

They said their son was bipolar and suffered from delusions because he was not taking his medication.

“He needed help and we couldn’t get him into a hospital, because you can’t [involuntarily commit an adult] unless they’re suicidal or homicidal,” Crowley said.

Peck said Crowley-Smilek was killed instantly at 11 a.m. in the municipal building parking lot.
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