Maine ICE officer who shot Colombian man had violent past, mental health issues: Report

BIDDEFORD, MAINE: The ICE officer who fatally shot a Colombian man in Maine had a history marked by reported mental health struggles, allegations of violence, and disturbing threats toward women close to him, according to a report published by The Associated Press on Friday, July 17.

The revelations have raised serious questions over how David Brouillette was approved to serve in a federal law enforcement role.

Brouillette, 37, has not been publicly identified by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security as the officer who shot 25-year-old Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Biddeford on Monday.

However, three relatives told the AP that Brouillette later acknowledged his involvement in the shooting during separate conversations.

While authorities continue investigating the deadly encounter, the AP’s findings have brought renewed attention to Brouillette’s background and the concerns surrounding his past.

ICE officer's disturbing past revealed

Relatives told the AP that Brouillette had faced serious mental health challenges from a young age, with one immediate family member saying he was diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder and ADHD and had attempted self-harm twice as a child.

His former wife, Ashley Brouillette, also confirmed the reported diagnoses and described years of alleged violent behavior during and following their marriage.

Court records reviewed by the AP detail multiple allegations involving Brouillette’s second former wife and his daughters, including claims of physical and verbal abuse, harassment and stalking.

One petition seeking a temporary protection order alleged that Brouillette needed counseling for PTSD and depression, while other filings described accusations of violent outbursts involving his teenage daughter.

Ashley Brouillette also told the AP that he once threw boiling water at her while she was holding their child.

She later shared a voicemail in which he made violent comments about her and members of her family.

Officer's family said he admitted fatal shooting

Duran Guerrero was shot on Monday while in his vehicle near his home in Biddeford. DHS has said the vehicle attempted to flee and that an officer opened fire after fearing for public safety.

Relatives said Brouillette told them he had acted in self-defense.

His former wife said Brouillette acknowledged that he had killed Duran Guerrero during a conversation after the shooting.

His 18-year-old daughter also told the AP that her father said he had shot and killed the Colombian man.

Brouillette reportedly described the shooting as justified, saying the vehicle had attempted to run him over.

ICE has not confirmed that Brouillette was the officer involved.

An agency spokesperson said the officer in question had nearly a decade of federal law enforcement experience and had completed required training, including use-of-force training.

David Brouillette's military and law enforcement background

Brouillette's career had long been connected to the military and law enforcement.

He served in the Maine Army National Guard before joining the regular Army.

Military records show he later deployed to Afghanistan and left the Army as a sergeant in 2015.

After his discharge, Brouillette worked in several jobs, including positions connected to corrections and health services. Court records also show that he worked as a police officer at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center.

His family members said his mental health struggles continued during those years.

Brouillette was later injured while training to become a firefighter. 

Court documents from a lawsuit over the injury described concussion and post-concussive symptoms including memory problems, cognitive difficulties, headaches, vertigo and light sensitivity.

His former wife said Brouillette told her late last year that he had joined ICE. She initially did not believe him because of his history of psychiatric issues.

She said she realized he had been telling the truth only after videos connected to the Maine shooting began circulating online.