At least 10 dead in Maine shooting and number expected to rise: officials
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — At least 10 people have been killed in shootings in Lewiston, Maine, and the death toll is expected to rise, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.
The officials said multiple people had also been wounded. Investigators were still processing the crime scenes and working to gather evidence. Police were searching for the man who opened fire Wednesday at two locations in the Maine town.
The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
Maine State Police ordered residents to shelter in place amid the investigation.
The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8 p.m. as the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office reported that law enforcement agencies were investigating “two active shooter events.” The sheriff's office said the suspect was still at large.
“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the sheriff's office reported.
The Lewiston Police Department also released a statement on Facebook, urging people to "stay off the roads to allow emergency responders access to the hospitals."
A spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety urged residents to stay in their homes with their doors locked.
“Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now," Shannon Moss said. "Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”
Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing those instructions. She said she has been briefed on the situation and will remain in close contact with public safety officials.
The Sun Journal newspaper reported that police, fire and rescue personnel converged on Sparetime Recreation before reports of a second location at a bar and grill.
Anyone who recognizes the potential suspect or vehicle should contact the Lewiston Police Department at 207-513-3001 (ext. 3327).
This is a developing story.