LEWISTON, Maine (AP)-- A guy shot and eliminated at least 16 people at a bowling and a restaurant street in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday and after that ran away into the night, stimulating a huge search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes.
An authorities bulletin determined Robert Card, 40, as an individual of interest in the attack that sent stressed bowlers scrambling behind pins when shots sounded out around 7 p.m. Card was referred to as a firearms trainer believed to be in the Army Reserve and designated to a training facility in Saco, Maine.
The Lewiston Police Department determined Robert Card as an individual of interest in a mass shooting at a bowling street and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023. (The Lewiston Police Department).
The document, circulated to police authorities, said Card had actually been committed to a psychological health center for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not supply information about his treatment or condition but stated Card had reported "hearing voices and risks to soar" the military base. A phone number listed for Card in public records was not in service.
Lewiston Police said in an earlier Facebook post that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling street about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away.
One bowler, who determined himself only as Brandon, stated he became aware of 10 shots, believing the first was a balloon popping.
" I had my back turned to the door. And as quickly as I turned and saw it was not a balloon-- he was holding a weapon-- I just reserved it," he told The Associated Press.
Brandon stated he rushed down the length of the alley, moving into the pin location and going up to hide in the equipment. He was among a busload of survivors who were driven to a middle school in the nearby city of Auburn to be reunited with family and friends.
" I was placing on my bowling shoes when it started. I've been barefoot for 5 hours," he said.
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The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office shared images of a possible suspect, seen here, involved in "2 active shooter occasions" in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023. (Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office) -
The Lewiston Police Department likewise shared images of a possible suspect involved in "two active shooter occasions" in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023. (The Lewiston Police Department) -
The Lewiston Police Department also shared pictures of a possible suspect associated with "2 active shooter events" in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023. (The Lewiston Police Department) -
The Lewiston Police Department shared pictures of a car in connection with "2 active shooter events" in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25, 2023. (The Lewiston Police Department) -
A lady is hugged by a guy at a reunification center at Auburn Middle School, in Auburn, Maine, after shootings in Lewiston on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via AP) -
Stretchers are lined up outside the emergency clinic at Central Maine Medical Center following shootings in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald through AP) -
Police respond to an active shooter scenario in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) -
People depart a reunification center early Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at Auburn Middle School, in Auburn, Maine, after shootings in Lewiston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) -
A sign signals the public to shelter in place throughout an active shooter situation on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via AP) -
A law enforcement officer brings a rifle outside Central Maine Medical Center throughout an active shooter situation, in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, stated her staff right away locked their doors and moved all 25 workers and consumers away from the doors after a client reported finding out about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quarter-mile away. Quickly, the authorities flooded the street and a police officer eventually accompanied everybody out of the building.
" I am truthfully in a state of shock. I am blessed that my group reacted quickly and everyone is safe," Small said. "But at the exact same time, my heart is broken for this location and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.".
After the shooting, police, many equipped with rifles, used up positions while the city descended into spooky quiet-- stressed by occasional sirens-- as people hunched down at home. Schools were closed Thursday in Lewiston, Lisbon and Auburn, in addition to municipal offices in Lewiston.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office launched two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page that revealed the shooter walking into an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder.
Two law enforcement officials informed The AP that a minimum of 16 individuals were eliminated and the toll was expected to rise. Nevertheless, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, decreased to offer a particular price quote at a press conference, calling it a "fluid situation." State cops planned to hold a mid-morning press conference Thursday.
The 2 law enforcement officials stated dozens of individuals likewise had been injured. The authorities were not authorized to publicly talk about details of the continuous examination and spoke with AP on condition of privacy.
On its website, Central Maine Medical Center said personnel were "reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event" and were coordinating with location healthcare facilities to take in clients. The health center was locked down and police, some equipped with rifles, stood by the entrances.
Meanwhile, medical facilities as far as
Portland, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) to the south, were on alert to possibly get victims.
An order for citizens and business owners to stay inside and off the streets of the city of 37,000 was extended Wednesday night from Lewiston to Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a "car of interest" was discovered there, authorities stated.
Gov. Janet Mills launched a declaration echoing guidelines for individuals to shelter. She said she had actually been briefed on the scenario and will remain in close contact with public safety officials.
President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state's Senate and House members, offering "complete federal support in the wake of this horrific attack," a White House declaration stated.
Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent, said he was "deeply unfortunate for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their household, friends and neighbors" and was keeping track of the scenario. King's workplace stated the senator would be headed directly home to Maine on the first flight possible.
Regional schools will be closed Thursday and individuals ought to shelter in place or seek safety, Superintendent Jake Langlais stated, adding: "Stay close to your enjoyed ones. Embrace them.".
Wednesday's death toll was staggering for a state that in 2022 had 29 murders the whole year.
Maine doesn't need authorizations to carry weapons, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is connected to its customs of hunting and sport shooting.
Some current attempts by gun control supporters to tighten the state's weapon laws have failed. Proposals to need background checks for private gun sales and develop a 72-hour waiting period for weapon purchases failed previously this year. Proposals that focused on school security and banning bump stocks failed in 2019.
State residents have also voted down some efforts to tighten up gun laws in Maine. A proposition to need background checks for weapon sales stopped working in a 2016 public vote.
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