Experts say more can be done to prevent PTSD-triggered violence

After Farmington shooting, experts say more can be done to prevent PTSD-triggered violence
By Scott Thistle, Sun Journal
Posted Dec. 04, 2011, at 10:15 a.m.
Last modified Dec. 04, 2011
LEWISTON, Maine — Bruce Morris, an Iraq War combat veteran with 21 years in the Maine National Guard, is a little on edge these days.

So are dozens of his brothers and sisters in arms as they ponder the circumstances that led to the death of Justin Crowley-Smilek, who was shot by a police officer last month in Farmington.

Crowley-Smilek, a U.S. Army Ranger who was disabled in Afghanistan in a 30-foot fall from a helicopter was bipolar and — according to his friends and family — suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

He was shot and killed by Farmington police officer Ryan Rosie on Nov. 19 after Crowley-Smilek confronted Rosie with a knife outside the Farmington police station, police have said.

Morris said he attended group counseling with Crowley-Smilek at the Lewiston Veterans’ Center. Morris considered Crowley-Smilek a friend.

Lingering questions
Those working to manage their own war-related issues have been left questioning how things went so tragically wrong and what can be done going forward to keep other combat veterans from facing similar fates and circumstances, Morris said.

“How is this allowed to happen?” said Morris, 40, a Poland resident and Edward Little High School graduate.
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