A person of interest in the mass shooting incidents that occurred on Wednesday night has been identified by the Lewiston, Maine, police department.
Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, should be regarded as armed and dangerous, according to Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Saschuck during a news conference on Wednesday night. His automobile has been located in the neighboring city of Lisbon.
Saschak stated that there were several casualties, but he would not provide the precise number of fatalities and injuries, claiming that the figures “are all over the map.”
It started at 6:56 p.m., according to Saschuk.
The Lewiston Police Department shared a picture of the card’s driver’s license on Facebook. This seemed to be the same individual who officials had previously revealed in surveillance photos brandishing a long gun. According to the agency, anyone with more information on his whereabouts should get in touch with the police.
Androscoggin County, Maine, is still under a shelter-in-place order while investigators look for the person who may have been responsible for the shooting on Wednesday. The police had earlier issued an order for individuals to remain indoors and lock their doors, referring to a “search operation in the neighborhood.”
In response to a “mass casualty, mass shooting situation,” Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston said it is working with nearby hospitals to arrange patient admissions.
According to Lewiston police, the search target is related to gunshots that have occurred at least twice at Schemenzies Pub and Restaurant and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley.
“I am deeply saddened for our community and its citizens,” stated Lewiston Mayor Carl Schellin in a press release. “We will need the fortitude and perseverance that Lewiston is renowned for in the coming days.
In order to facilitate emergency responders’ easy access to hospitals, the police department has advised the public to avoid driving. Hundreds of police officers are employed throughout the state of Maine, according to Saschuk.
In preparation for a possible patient transfer, the Portland, Maine Medical Center’s hospital system has informed the on-call personnel and increased operating room and critical care capacity.
The group went on, in an email to local media, to declare, “As of right now, MMC is able to certify that Central Maine Medical Center will send a patient for transport. In addition, other Maine Health facilities are ready and waiting to offer care. The campuses of MMC and other Maine Health hospitals have been closed to visitors and non-hospital staff out of an abundance of caution and owing to the fluid nature of this situation.”
All of Lewiston’s public buildings will be closed on Thursday, the city announced in a Facebook post. The ad stated, “This includes the Armory, 65 Central Avenue; Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street; and City Hall, 27 Pine Street.” Tomorrow’s scheduled programs, festivities, and early voting at City Hall have been canceled. Tomorrow, non-emergency employees ought to remain at home as well.
All of the Lewiston Public Schools’ classes will be canceled tomorrow, according to the superintendent.
Superintendent Jake Langlais stated, in part, in a statement posted on the school system’s website, “There are still many unanswered questions. Though it flows swiftly, information is not always reliable. Just stay where you are or find a secure location.”
According to the White House, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, Representative Jared Golden, and Governor Janet Mills of Maine have all been in communication with President Biden regarding the incident. According to the statement, Biden provided “full government support in the aftermath of this heinous act.”
A spokesman for the Justice Department stated, “The Attorney General has been informed and will continue to watch the issue closely.” Our state and local law enforcement colleagues in Lewiston, Maine, are receiving assistance from federal law enforcement authorities.
This narrative is still evolving. Further evidence may refute some of the statements made by the media. Reports from law enforcement officers and other authorities, reliable news sources, and on-site journalists will be the main sources of information. We’ll provide updates as things change.
