LEWISTON, Maine — Update: The suspected shooter was found dead Friday night.
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Eighteen people have died as a result of a mass shooting Wednesday night in Lewiston, and more than a dozen have been injured, Maine State Police Col. William Ross said Thursday morning during a press conference.
The suspect who faces multiple murder charges remains on the loose, and people in the area are urged to shelter in place, as he is believed armed and dangerous, law enforcement said.
Seven of the people were killed at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, including one female and six males, Ross said, adding they all had apparent gunshot wounds.
Eight of the people were killed at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, including seven males inside the building and one male outside the building, Ross said. Those eight people all had apparent gunshot wounds, too, according to Ross.
The bowling alley and restaurant are about 4 miles away from each other.
People who were injured were taken to Central Maine Medical Center, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, and Maine Medical Center. Three people who were taken to a hospital for treatment later died, Ross said.
NBC News reports not all those who were injured suffered gunshot wounds. Some people were injured from stampede or during panic to escape the scenes.
In 2022, there were 29 homicides total in Maine.
"I want every person in Maine to know: We will heal together," Gov. Janet Mills said during Thursday's press conference.
RELATED: Maine's biggest mass shooting will require healing. Here are some mental health resources to help.
So far, of the 18 people killed, eight have been identified and 10 have not, according to Ross.
Mills said she and President Joe Biden have ordered state of Maine and United States flags to fly at half-staff statewide for the next five days.
Search underway for suspect
Police are attempting to locate the suspect, 40-year-old Robert Card of Bowdoin. Card is considered to be armed and dangerous, according to police, and members of the public are advised to not approach him or make any contact. An arrest warrant charging Card with eight counts of murder has been issued, and Ross said that number would likely rise to 18 as more of the victims are identified.
A shelter-in-place has been issued for all of Androscoggin County, as well as the town of Bowdoin, which is in Sagadahoc County. People in those areas are asked to stay inside and off the roads until further notice.
More than 350 law enforcement officials are involved in the search for Card, according to state police. The search is a coordinated effort between federal, state and local law enforcement.
Anyone who sees any suspicious activity or individuals is asked to call 911.
According to an Army spokesperson, Card is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in Saco, but there are "no records to indicate he instructed or participated in any training," they said in a release.
Card also reportedly was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer and reported "hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at the military training base in Saco," AP reported.
Timeline of events on Wednesday:
- 6:56 p.m.: Auburn Communications Center receives 911 call reporting an active shooter at Sparetime Recreation.
- 7:08 p.m.: Auburn Communications Center receives several 911 calls reporting an active shooter at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant.
- Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency medical personnel dispatched to the scenes.
- 8:06 p.m.: Police release photo of suspected shooter.
- 9:26 p.m.: Lewiston police receive call identifying man in distributed photos as Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin.
- 9:56 p.m.: Lisbon police notify Lewiston police that they located a white Subaru at the Paper Mills Trail and Miller Park Boat Launch on Frost Hill in Lisbon. Police identify the vehicle as belonging to Robert Card.
