Augusta Police: Suspect wanted since Friday found dead

AUGUSTA, Maine – The search for an Augusta man considered armed and dangerous ended when police confirmed Tuesday that he was found dead in the Kennebec River.

The search began Friday afternoon when police said they responded to a report of domestic violence between a man and his parents on Riverside Drive around 1 p.m.

The man, identified as 40-year-old Justin Larrabee, reportedly displayed a firearm and threatened his family but fled the home before police arrived, Augusta police said in a news release.

The city announced shortly before 8:30 p.m. Friday that Riverside Drive from Route 3 to Stevens Road was closed and asked people to avoid the area until further notice.

The city also issued a general curfew for the 600 block of Riverside Drive on Friday evening because it believed Larabee was armed and dangerous at the start of the search.

“He should be considered armed and dangerous and the public should not approach him or attempt to apprehend him,” police said. “If you see him, call police immediately.”

Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Saturday, police issued an update saying the curfew had been lifted and Riverside Drive was reopened.

Police said Larrabee’s vehicle was found Saturday morning, but he was still at large and the manhunt and public safety alert continued into the beginning of the week.

On Tuesday, Augusta police said they received a tip shortly before noon about a body in the Kennebec River near the base of the Cushnoc Crossing Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the river.

Officials said they were able to recover the body and positively identify him as Larrabee.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” police said in an updated press release on Tuesday.

Police confirmed that Larrabee was arrested and charged last year for damaging the Maine Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial.

Download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app for the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts.