Multiple Injuries in Lewiston, Maine Shootings as Police Identify Person of Interest
Lewiston, Maine - A series of mass shootings that unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday night has left multiple casualties, prompting a city-wide search for the assailant. In a press conference held on Wednesday night, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck disclosed that the police had identified a person of interest in the case. The individual in question is Robert Card, a 40-year-old male, and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have located his vehicle in the nearby town of Lisbon.
Sauschuck refrained from disclosing the exact number of casualties, citing fluctuations in the available data. In a Facebook post, the Lewiston Police Department shared an image believed to be Robert Card's driver's license photograph. He matches the person captured in surveillance images carrying a long gun, as previously released by law enforcement. The department urged the public to promptly contact the authorities if they possess any information regarding Card's whereabouts.
A shelter-in-place order remains in effect for Androscoggin County, Maine, while law enforcement intensifies its efforts to locate the suspect from Wednesday's shootings. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors, securing their doors, as a manhunt is underway.
The Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston has been responding to what they describe as a "mass casualty, mass shooter event." They are collaborating with neighboring hospitals to accommodate the influx of patients.
The Lewiston police have established a connection between the manhunt and shootings that occurred at two separate locations: Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a local bowling alley.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his grief for the city and its residents, saying, "I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit, and we will need both in the days to come."
Law enforcement agencies have requested that the public avoid using the roads to facilitate emergency responders' access to hospitals. Sauschuck informed the public that hundreds of police officers are involved in the ongoing operation throughout the state of Maine.
The Maine Medical Center, situated in Portland, has activated on-call staff and has created additional critical care and operating room capacity in preparation for potential patient transfers. They have temporarily restricted access to their campuses for non-hospital personnel and non-patients as a precautionary measure.
The city of Lewiston announced in a Facebook post that all municipal buildings, including City Hall, Lewiston Public Library, and the Armory, will remain closed on Thursday. Programs, events, and early voting at City Hall for the following day have also been canceled. Non-emergency personnel have been advised to stay at home.
Superintendent Jake Langlais of Lewiston Public Schools declared the cancellation of all classes for the following day. In a statement posted on the school system's website, Langlais emphasized the presence of many uncertainties, urging citizens to remain in a sheltered position or seek safety.
The White House confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on the situation and has held discussions with several government officials in Maine, including Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, and Representative Jared Golden. President Biden has offered "full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack."
Furthermore, a spokesperson from the Justice Department revealed that the Attorney General has been briefed and will closely monitor the situation. Federal law enforcement agencies are actively assisting their state and local counterparts in Lewiston, Maine.
This is an evolving story, and as more information becomes available, some initial reports from the media may be subject to correction. For the most accurate updates, we will rely on information from law enforcement agencies, credible news outlets, and on-site reporters as the situation continues to develop.
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