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A search is underway for a man considered a “person of interest” after a series of shootings in Lewiston, Maine, that resulted in “multiple casualties,” authorities announced Wednesday night.
Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sorshak said in a news conference Wednesday night that Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, should be considered armed and dangerous and that his vehicle was in a nearby town. He said it was discovered in Lisbon.
Zauschuk said there were multiple casualties, but declined to say how many casualties there were, saying the numbers were “spread all over the world.” Zauschuk said the shooting began at 6:56 p.m. ET.
The Lewiston Police Department released what appeared to be a photo of Card’s driver’s license in a Facebook post. He appears to be the same person seen in surveillance images authorities previously released photos of when he entered the bowling alley wearing a brown sweatshirt and carrying a long AR-style gun. is.
The department said the public should contact law enforcement if they have further information regarding his whereabouts.
Lewiston, Maine Police Department (via Associated Press)
A shelter-in-place order remains in effect in Androscoggin County, Maine, as authorities search for a suspect in Wednesday’s shooting. Police had previously told people to stay indoors with their doors locked, citing a “local investigation.”
Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston said it was responding to a “mass casualty and shooting incident” and was coordinating with area hospitals to accept patients.
Lewiston police say the investigation involves shootings at at least two locations, including Skimenzie’s Bar and Grill and the Spare Time Recreation bowling alley. It is unclear which location was attacked first. It is also unclear how many shots were fired at each location.
Skimenzies Bar and Grill posted on its Facebook page: “Our hearts are broken. We are speechless. In the blink of an eye, our world is turned upside down for no reason. We lost great people in our community. How could we?” This makes sense. Sending prayers to everyone. ”
“My heart aches for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for its strength and grit, and we will need both in the future,” Lewiston Mayor Carl Cherine said in a statement. Ta.
Police officials asked people to stay off the roads to allow emergency workers to reach hospitals. Zauschak said there are hundreds of police officers working around Maine.
Maine Medical Center, a hospital system in Portland, alerted on-call staff and secured critical care and operating room capacity in anticipation of possible patient transfers.
“At this time, we can confirm that MMC is accepting transfers of one patient from Central Maine Medical Center and other Maine Health facilities,” the group said in an emailed statement to local media. “We are standing by and ready to provide care.” Given the dynamic nature of this situation, MMC and other MaineHealth hospitals have closed their campuses to non-hospital employees and non-patients until further notice. ”
The city of Lewiston announced in a Facebook post that all city halls in Lewiston will be closed on Thursday. “This includes City Hall, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street, and the Armory, 65 Central Avenue. Programs, events, or “Early voting has been canceled tomorrow. Non-emergency officials should:” Please stay home tomorrow too. ”
The superintendent of Lewiston Public Schools has announced that all classes will be canceled tomorrow.
“There are still many unknowns at this time. Information flows quickly and is not always accurate. Should we continue to shelter in place? Please evacuate to a safe place.”
The White House said President Biden had been briefed on the shooting and that various Maine government officials, including Maine Governor Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Representative Jared Golden, had been briefed on the shooting. He said he had spoken to someone. Biden offered “the full support of the federal government in the wake of this horrific attack,” the statement said.
Additionally, a Department of Justice spokesperson said, “The Attorney General has been briefed and will continue to closely monitor the situation. Federal law enforcement is assisting the state and local law enforcement partners in Lewiston, Maine.” Ta.
Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, with a population of approximately 40,000 and located approximately 60 miles from Portland. Lewiston was once a mill town and has had economic challenges for years. The city has a diverse population, with a large population of Somali immigrants as well as a significant number of French Canadians.
In 2022, there were a total of 29 homicides across Maine, 15 of which were domestic.
A law enforcement press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET at Lewiston City Hall.
This is a developing story. Some things reported by the media may later prove to be false. We focus on reporting from law enforcement officers and other authorities, trusted news organizations, and reporters on the ground. We will update you as the situation develops.