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Incident
Police Officer David Payne was shot and killed by a parolee with a .44 caliber revolver after responding to a report of a car that had gone off River Road at 3:00 pm. The subject fled the scene into the woods. Officer Payne followed him, and a shootout ensued. Other responding officers joined in the pursuit when they heard gunfire. Officer Payne and the subject were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds. Officer Payne succumbed to his wounds a short time later. The subject had fled to avoid being arrested because he was driving a stolen vehicle and was carrying a stolen gun. He was convicted of manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder and subsequently sentenced to 60 years in prison. He died of cancer in 1999 while serving his sentence. Officer Payne had served with the Lewiston Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two young children, parents, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Payne gave the Lewiston Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lewiston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Payne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lewiston Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in ME, 43% of the 86 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 1 officer in ME was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1873, with 2.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 26. Of the 32 killed feloniously in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 49.5; the middle age was 42. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 26. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.8% of these deaths in ME; January holds the most, 10.8%. Saturdays: 24.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Lewiston Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43% of all 86 deaths in ME, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Lewiston Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lewiston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
