26 October 2023
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Maine State Police ordered residents in the state’s second-largest city to shelter in place Wednesday night because of an active shooter situation.
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.
Authorities told local news outlet WCSH that multiple people have reportedly been injured.
“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.
This is a developing story.