LEWISTON, Maine — The man accused of shooting a sergeant with the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office in Minot made his first court appearance Friday, two days after the incident.
Corey Hamel, 42, of Minot faces six charges related to the shooting, including aggravated attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault. More felony charges could be added based on a grand jury investigation, the judge said.
Hamel did not make a plea Friday in Lewiston District Court.
A judge set Hamel's bail at $1 million because of his prior criminal history and nature of the current charges. If Hamel were to post bail, the court ruled he would not be able to possess any firearms, alcohol, or drugs, and he would be prohibited from contacting specific individuals.
Sheriff's deputies responded to a home on Woodman Hill Road early Wednesday morning and found the residence engulfed in flames, according to Maine State Police. Officials said the responding deputies were escorting the homeowners away from the fire when Hamel allegedly shot Sgt. Randy Williams in the leg.
The sheriff's office told NEWS CENTER Maine Friday the sergeant has since been released from the hospital and is at home recovering.
According to court documents, Hamel was living with his wife at the home that caught fire Wednesday. The documents also stated the couple rented a room in the house owned by Hamel's boss and his wife, who also lived at the residence.
Hamel's wife apparently told police she noticed smoke coming from the kitchen that morning, and everyone inside exited the home.
Hamel's boss reportedly told police he watched Hamel shoot Williams outside the house. The man told police the gun he kept in his truck was gone, according to court documents. The documents also reported that Hamel told officers the missing gun was in a nearby snowbank. Officers recovered the gun and two shell casings.
The other home residents also accused Hamel of starting the fire, the documents stated.
No other injuries were reported.
Hamel is expected back in court sometime in June.