Authorities say at least 22 people were killed and dozens were injured in twin shootings Wednesday night at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. According to officials, an intensive search is underway for a person of interest in the shooting.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschak said Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, is a person of interest and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement officials in Maine told CNN that Card is a certified firearms instructor and member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Authorities said Card had recently threatened to open fire at a National Guard facility in Saco, Maine, and also reported mental health issues, including hearing voices.
During a news conference Wednesday night, Sauschuk declined to provide further details about the card. “We are not ready to go into the background (of the card),” he said.
The Lewiston Police Department identified Robert Card as a “person of interest” in the shooting. – Lewiston Police Department
Lewiston City Councilman Robert McCarthy told CNN that at least 22 people were killed, citing a city administrator.
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The shooting happened around 7 p.m. ET, Soschuk said. Lewiston police reported active shooting incidents at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley on Mollison Way, and the Schemanges Bar & Grill restaurant on Lincoln Street.
“We are encouraging all businesses to close or close while we investigate,” the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook Wednesday evening.
The Sheriff’s Office released photos of the “suspect for identification.” The man can be seen holding a high-powered assault-style rifle.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released an image of what is believed to be a suspect from Lewiston, Maine. – Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office
Sauschak said residents of Lewiston and the neighboring city of Lisbon are under shelter-in-place orders.
A “vehicle of interest” was found in Lisbon, the commissioner said. Earlier, Lewiston police said they were searching for a vehicle and posted a photo that appeared to show a small, white SUV with what is believed to be a black painted front bumper. Maine State Police confirmed to CNN that the photo is of the suspect’s car.
Lewiston is about 36 miles north of Portland and is the state’s second largest city.
“Please stay inside your home with doors closed,” state police said in a post on Facebook. “If you see any suspicious activity or person please call 911.”
The Lewiston Police Department released this image of a vehicle connected to the shooting. – Lewiston Maine Police Department
A city spokesperson originally told the Sun Journal newspaper that another shooting had been reported at a Walmart distribution center, but a company spokesperson told CNN that the incidents did not involve any Walmart facilities.
Officials in the nearby city of Auburn also “strongly urged” residents to shelter in place due to the ongoing active shooter situation. a post On X, formerly on Twitter.
Auburn is less than 2 miles west of Lewiston.
In a statement, the FBI said its Boston division was coordinating with law enforcement partners in Maine and “stands ready to assist with any available resources” and urged the public to remain vigilant.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said she was briefed on the situation Wednesday night.
“I urge everyone in the area to follow the instructions of state and local enforcement. “I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials,” the governor said on Facebook.
CNN’s Jamiel Lynch, Josh Campbell, Christina Maxouris and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.
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