LEWISTON, Maine (TCD) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for the suspect in a mass shooting that killed at least 18 people Wednesday evening.
According to Maine State Police Col. William Ross, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Auburn Communications Center received a call at 6:56 p.m. regarding an active shooter at Just-In-Time Recreation, which is a bowling alley, restaurant, and bar in Lewiston. About 10 minutes later, the communications center fielded multiple calls about a shooter at Schemengees Bar & Grille.
Eighteen people have died so far. Six males and one female were killed at the bowling alley. Seven males were fatally shot outside the Schemengees and one was killed inside. Ross said all were killed from apparent gunshot wounds. Medics transported several people to area hospitals, where three other victims died from their injuries. According to Ross, eight people have been positively identified thus far.
Officials identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card and said investigators located his car at a boat landing in Lisbon, Maine. He now has an arrest warrant out for eight counts of murder. Ross said the number will likely increase as more victims are identified.
Card is deemed armed and dangerous and “should not be approached.”
Lewiston Police shared photos of a man wearing a brown sweatshirt and dark pants walking into a building holding a semiautomatic rifle.
Maine State Police activated shelter in place orders and school cancellations for several of the surrounding cities.
According to The Associated Press, Card worked as a firearms instructor and is enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. He reportedly spent two weeks in a mental health facility and had been “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base where he worked in Saco, Maine.
In a statement, Just-In-Time Recreation wrote, “None of this seems real, but unfortunately it is. We are devastated for our community and our staff. We lost some amazing and whole hearted people from our bowling family and community last night. There are no words to fix this or make it better. We are praying for everyone who has been affected by this horrific tragedy. We love you all and hold you close in our hearts.”
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