AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The state attorney general’s office has concluded that a Maine Marine Patrol officer and part-time Washington County deputy sheriff was justified in shooting and wounding a Machiasport couple in 2017.

The report says Matthew Carter tried to deescalate the situation in which a gun was raised at him several times before he fired seven shots to defend himself and other officers.

The report says Carter discharged his gun after 37-year-old Jason Jackson put his finger on the trigger of his own gun, and 35-year-old Tiffany Smith was also hit when she stepped into the line of fire.

Part of Jackson’s left was arm amputated after the shooting.