Full Breakdown
Police Shooting of Jacob Hastings in Portland
8/28/2026, 9:49:52 PM
Police Shooting of Jacob Hastings in Portland
Portland police officers shot and killed 37-year-old Jacob Hastings after a high-speed chase that ended at the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal. Police said the incident began around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday when dispatch received reports of gunfire near Spring and Oak streets. A subsequent call described a shirtless man threatening staff at Nova Seafood on Commercial Street with a firearm. Hastings fled in a stolen pickup truck, prompting additional reports of vehicle thefts and crashes at gunpoint. Officers located him on Congress Street, pursued him down Franklin Arterial, and he crashed near the ferry terminal. Police state that Hastings ignored commands, reached into his waistband, and presented his hands as though he were holding a gun, prompting officers to fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A firearm was later recovered from one of the stolen vehicles.
Background and Criminal History
Hastings had a long criminal record dating to 2006, including convictions for aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and multiple theft offenses. In 2016 he was arrested for smashing a police cruiser window while a wanted felon with ties to the Aryan Nations white-supremacy group. He was also listed as a registered sex offender in Maine.
Timeline of the Incident
- ~9:30 p.m., Thursday: Reports of shots fired near Spring and Oak streets; police find no suspect.
- Shortly after: Call about a shirtless man threatening Nova Seafood employees; Hastings flees in a stolen pickup.
- Following minutes: Additional reports of crashes and vehicle thefts at gunpoint.
- Later: Officers locate Hastings on Congress Street, pursue him, and he crashes near Casco Bay Lines.
- Final moments: Hastings runs into the outdoor terminal, fails to obey commands, reaches toward his waistband, and is shot.
Official Statements and Investigation
Portland Police Department identified the officers involved—Anthony George, Jordin Jackson, and Greg Ishihara—and placed them on administrative leave, describing this as standard procedure after a deadly-force incident. The state Attorney General’s Office announced it will investigate the shooting and has not released further details.
Verbatim Quote
“I've never seen so much police presence in my life,” — Alana Reali, a witness
