Police have issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in a Wednesday night mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that killed at least 18 people.
Maine State Police Col. William Ross announced at a press conference on Thursday that an arrest warrant has been issued for Robert Card for eight counts of murder.
“The reason it’s eight counts is because ten people have not yet been identified,” Mr. Ross said. “As those people are identified, the counts will probably go to the total of 18.”
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” Mr. Ross continued, adding that the suspect remains at large and should not be approached, with anyone coming into contact with him being advised to call 911.
A coordinated search is being conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies, Mr. Ross added.
Earlier, police warned that the suspect is a trained firearms instructor who may have been suffering from mental health issues.
“Card is a trained firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve stationed out of Saco, Maine,” reads an earlier statement from Maine State Police.
Mr. Card recently reported mental health issues, including hearing voices and threats to shoot up the National Guard Base in Saco.
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Maine State Police earlier alerted residents via social media to an active shooter situation in Lewiston and urged people to seek shelter, lock their doors, and remain vigilant.Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigations at multiple locations, with authorities urging the public to contact 911 if they witness any suspicious activity.
Lewiston police, via their social media channels, confirmed the presence of an active shooter at multiple locations and identified two businesses impacted by the tragic events.
“We are currently dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees and Sparetime Recreation. Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals,” read a statement from the Lewiston Maine Police Department.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office released photos of an individual armed with a rifle and announced that they were “investigating two active shooter events.”
Earlier, the public was urged to reach out via email or reply on Facebook if they could help identify the suspect.
“Law enforcement in Androscoggin County are investigating two active shooter events. We are encouraging all businesses to lock down or close while we investigate. The suspect remains at large,” stated the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
Local police in Lewiston released an image of a vehicle they are actively seeking in connection with the shooting investigation. The vehicle was later discovered in Lisbon, and residents there were also urged by police to shelter in place.
“Please contact the Lewiston Police if you recognize this vehicle. It is believed that the front bumper may be painted black,” the Lewiston Maine Police Department urged on Facebook.
Gov. Janet Mills said she is aware of the situation and emphasized the need for residents to follow the guidance of state and local law enforcement.
“I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Boston branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said their agents are investigating.
