Full Breakdown
Portland Police Shooting Leaves One Man Dead and Suspect Hospitalized
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Monday night, Portland police responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Colonial Road in the Rosemont neighborhood. Officers Joseph Lowe and David Moore entered the apartment after a tenant escorted them inside and then fled back toward the officers screaming. Inside, they encountered 41-year-old Brian Oliver allegedly assaulting 69-year-old Mark Tschamler. Police say Oliver refused commands to drop his weapon and was shot by the officers. Tschamler was pronounced dead at the scene; Oliver was taken to Maine Medical Center with gunshot wounds and remains in custody, expected to be charged with murder.
Background & Context
The incident follows a recent pattern of police use of deadly force in Portland. Less than a month earlier, officers shot and killed 37-year-old Jacob Hastings at the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal after a series of armed carjackings. Both incidents triggered standard administrative leave for the involved officers and investigations by the Maine Office of the Attorney General, which oversees all state police shootings.
Timeline
- ? 8:15 p.m. – Police receive a disturbance call at 27 Colonial Road.
- Shortly after arrival – A tenant leads officers into the apartment, then runs back toward them screaming.
- Moments later – Officers locate Oliver assaulting Tschamler; Oliver does not comply with commands to drop his weapon.
- Immediately thereafter – Officers fire, striking Oliver.
- On-scene – Tschamler is pronounced dead; Oliver is transported to Maine Medical Center.
- Following day – Portland Police Department confirms Oliver will be charged with murder; officers are placed on administrative leave; the Attorney General’s office begins its investigation.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Mark Tschamler, 69, longtime handyman and owner of One Call Craftsmen (established 1984).
- Suspect: Brian Oliver, 41, of Portland.
- Officers involved: Joseph Lowe and David Moore.
- Time of police call: about 8:15 p.m.
- This is the second police shooting in Portland within a month.
Official Statements & Responses
Nadeau confirmed that Oliver is being treated at Maine Medical Center and will face a murder charge. The Maine Office of the Attorney General’s office, which investigates all police shootings in the state, declined to provide additional details at this time. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, consistent with department policy for deadly-force incidents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't imagine that he would have any enemies or that anybody would want to kill him,” — Officer David Moore
On-the-Ground Accounts
Neighbors described the Rosemont street as typically quiet. Several residents recalled hearing yelling before gunshots and saw flashing emergency lights flood the area. One neighbor, Nargis Habibzai, noted that Tschamler had often helped her family with home projects and welcomed her children to play in his backyard.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police have not disclosed the type of weapon Oliver allegedly possessed, and the department has not released further details about the suspect’s actions prior to the shooting. The Attorney General’s office has provided no additional information beyond confirming an investigation.
What’s Next
The Maine Attorney General’s office will continue its investigation into the use of deadly force. Portland police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 207-874-8575.
