Police hunt for man linked to mass shooting in Maine that killed at least 16
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: MAINE STATE POLICE/ HANDOUT / ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE / HANDOUT
Police are on the hunt for a man who opened fire at a bar and a bowling alley in Maine on Wednesday (25 October).
The man, who police have now identified as Robert Card, killed at least 16 people in Lewiston while wounding dozens of others.
The incident has turned state’s second-largest city into chaos as police continue to search for the person of interest, while residents were ordered to shelter in place.
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A police bulletin says that Card was trained as a firearms instructor at a US Army Reserve training facility in Maine.
It also claimed that Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023.
The doc, which was reviewed by Associated Press, did not specify details about his condition or treatment.
The document, which the outlet says was circulated amongst law enforcement officials, also claimed that Card had reported hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at a military training base in Saco, Maine.
Reuters also could not verify the authenticity of the bulletin.
Earlier on in the day, Lewiston Police said on Facebook that it was dealing with an incident involving a shooter at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office have since released two photos of the suspect to their Facebook page showing him walking into a building while holding a weapon to their shoulder.
Lewiston Police Department also wrote on their Facebook page that Card 'should be considered armed and dangerous' and encouraged those who were 'aware of his whereabouts' to contact police.
While at least 16 people may have already lost their lives, two law enforcements have since told AP that the death toll is expected to rise.
Speaking at a press conference, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declared the proceedings as a 'fluid situation'.
Dozens of people are said to have been wounded from the shooting, the officials speaking to AP also said under the condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to publicly discuss details of the current investigation.
The hospital where people are being treated was locked down for a period of time, as armed police stood by the entrances as Central Maine Medical Center said that their staff were reacting to a 'mass shooter event'.
In a statement released at around 10pm local time last night (25 October), the sheriff’s office said: "Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear.
"Seek alternative routes to circumvent the area and any disruptions. If already operating in the affected region, adhere to all instructions issued by local officials, including the shelter-in-place order.
"We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Maine Department of Public Safety added: "Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now.
"Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation."