COPS are hunting for a suspected gunman after at least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured in two shootings that rocked Maine.
Robert Card, 40, has been named as a person of interest after gunfire erupted at a bowling alley and pool hall in Lewiston on Wednesday night.
Armed with an AR-15-style rifle with a laser optic, chilling photos show the gunman dressed in a brown sweatshirt and jeans stalking the bowling alley packed with kids.
Police said Card is still on the loose and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Mike Sauschuck, a law enforcement spokesperson in Lewiston, warned: “If people see him they should not approach him in any way.”
Scott Sweetow, an ex-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives agent, has described the gunman’s weapon.
He told the NBC affiliate WCAU: “It has an optic on it, some sort of scope.
” He also has a flashlight on the front, some sort of tactical light. He also has some sort of magazines.
“They appear to be three-round magazines attached together. He’s kitted out to kill people.”
Hundreds of officers are currently searching for him in Lewiston and surrounding towns.
What we know so far:
- At least 22 people killed and dozens injured
- Manhunt underway for gunman
- Suspected gunman previously spent time at mental health facility
- Shooting deadliest to hit the US this year
- Witnesses have spoken of the horror that unfolded
Card is a firearms instructor at a US Army Reserve training facility in Maine, according to cops.
He also spent two weeks at a mental health facility this summer.
He reported hearing voices and previously threatened to commit a shooting at a military training base in Saco, Maine, according to AP.
Card is a former University of Maine student who studied at the institution between 2001 and 2004 but it’s not clear when he graduated, a university representative told NBC News.
The person of interest was believed to be driving a 2013 white Subaru Outback, which was later found eight miles from the shooting scenes, in nearby Lisbon.
Cops have swooped on the area, knocking on doors of homes and helicopters surveying the scene.
TWO SITES TARGETED
At least 22 people have been killed in the shootings, Lewiston, Maine councilor Robert McCarthy said.
Up to 60 other people are thought to be injured.
The shootings took place at Sparetime Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille.
Sheriff Eric Samson, from Androscoggin County, said at least seven people were killed at the bowling alley.
The Lewiston Sun Journal has reported that there were between 14 and 16 victims at the bar.
Jessica Karcher told The Washington Post her son Justin had been shot four times at the Schemengees Bar and Grille.
The shooting is set to be the deadliest to hit the US in four years.
Maine recorded 29 murders in 2022 alone, according to crime stats.
The gunman targeted the bowling alley, where a youth event was taking place, at around 7pm local time.
Nichoel Wyman Arel, who was passing by the bowling alley, said she saw a large number of kids streaming out of the venue, per CNN.
She told the outlet that people were being “patted down” as they left the bowling alley.
Arel said: “Yeah, there were kids, that’s — Like, looking back, like that was probably the hardest part, seeing — just families, families pouring out of there and knowing that that happened in there while they were probably just trying to have a family night.”
Arel, a mom, said her daughter was with her when she passed the bowling alley and revealed the youngster started crying.
The parent revealed that she locked her home when she got home, including her windows.
She said her daughter was “scared” someone would break into their home.
Riley Dumont revealed her daughter, 11, was bowling when she heard gunshots.
She told ABC News: “I was laying on top of my daughter. My mother was laying on top of me.”
Another witness, known as Brandon, told the outlet: “Thought it was a balloon.
“I had my back turned to the door. As soon as I turned and saw that it was not a balloon, he was holding a weapon.
“I just bucked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up to the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there.”
Bill Jayne Cooke told the BBC she heard “one siren after another.”
She said: “I’ve never heard so much activity in my life in this city. We have police from all over the state, from out of the state, coming up.”
Kathy Lebel, the owner of Schemengees Bar & Grille, told The Sun Journal: “It was just a fun night playing cornhole. it’s the last thing you’re expecting, right?
“I still feel like this whole thing is a nightmare.”
Shots were said to have been fired at a third location, a Walmart distribution center, but a spokesperson said no gunfire took place at the facility.
‘STATE OF SHOCK’
The shooting and ensuing manhunt have shaken Lewiston, a town of 37,000 located about 35 miles north of Portland.
Melinda Small, owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill near the bowling alley, told The Associated Press that 25 customers were at her bar when the gunfire began.
“I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” she told the outlet.
“My heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.”
A shelter-in-place remains in effect for the towns of Lewiston, Auburn, and Lisbon as the manhunt for the shooter continues.
Residents have been urged to stay inside, lock their doors, and avoid being on the roads to keep them clear for law enforcement.
“Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals,” cops said.
A reunification center has been established at Auburn Middle School.
Locals were urged to be cautious and stay inside their homes.
Schools in Lewiston, the second largest city in Maine, will be closed on Thursday.
Police have been seen searching near Lisbon High School as part of their search probe.
All town offices in Lisbon will be closed on Thursday, officials said.
Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque described the shooting as an “absolute tragedy.”
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Attorney General Merrick Garland have all been briefed on the shooting.
Source:thesun
