Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ME-9D684A76- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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
Police Officer David R. Payne is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In ME, 43 of 102 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.2% of this state's fallen. That is 12 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lewiston Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David R. Payne's cause is highlighted.
How David R. Payne Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David R. Payne is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David R. Payne was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lewiston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
