PORTLAND, Maine — A woman from Gray was fatally shot during an incident Tuesday night on Forest Avenue in Portland. She was one of four people brought to Maine Medical Center to be treated for injuries after a reported shooting around 8:45 p.m. in the area of Morrill's Corner.
Portland police said in a news release Wednesday evening 54-year-old Susan McHugh had died from a gunshot wound, and her death has been ruled a homicide, following an autopsy by the Maine chief medical examiner's office.
It was originally reported by police that three only people were taken to the hospital, but the department updated that number Wednesday to note that four, agency spokesperson Brad Nadeau said in a news release.
Police said they will not be releasing further information regarding victims as of Wednesday night.
Until about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Portland police urged people in the immediate vicinity of the response and investigation to shelter in place and asked drivers to avoid the area while emergency crews respond and investigate. Nadeau said in the release Wednesday that the shelter-in-place has been lifted because police do not believe there's a threat to the public in connection with the incident.
Law enforcement and investigation teams were still at the scene Wednesday morning. A NEWS CENTER Maine crew at the scene Wednesday morning saw several vehicles being towed from the area.
A spokesperson with MaineHealth said Friday the emergency department at Maine Medical Center was briefly in lockdown Tuesday night into Wednesday morning,
"The decision to restrict access was standard protocol for the hospital, and as you know, there was no incident here," the hospital said.
A Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesperson told NEWS CENTER Maine the agency has offered to assist the Portland Police Department.
"We are aware of what occurred last night, and we have coordinated with our partners and offered them our assistance," the spokesperson said. "Beyond that, we are going to decline further comment and refer you to the Portland Police Department."
Police did not share any information about a possible suspect Tuesday night, saying it's "all very preliminary," but they did say no arrest had been made.
"We are working to identify witnesses and possibly video from businesses or homes that are in the area," Major Robert Martin said.
As of Wednesday morning, police confirmed again that no arrests have been made, and the identities of those injured were not released.
Until about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, Forest Avenue was closed between Arbor Street and Stevens Avenue. The stretch of road has since reopened.
Martin said mutual aid from South Portland and Maine State Police also responded to the scene, in addition to emergency officials from Portland.
Crime scene tape was still present Wednesday morning in the area of Samuel's Bar and Grill, as well as a nearby gas station and convenience store.
At least two businesses in the area posted on social media to share that the incident did not occur at their location.
"There was a shooting in Morrill’s Corner tonight. It was not at Samuel’s," they said Tuesday night on Facebook. "Our employees and customers are all safe thanks to the quick reaction of our employees and the Portland Police Department."
The Brass Rail also shared that the incident did not occur at their place of business.
"As far as we know there was an incident nearby which is being investigated now, however, the incident did NOT occur at the Brass Rail," the bar posted on its Facebook page. "Our hearts go out to anyone harmed tonight."
Police said the investigation is active and they would provide updates as the case allows.
On Thursday, Maj. Robert Martin with Portland police stated releasing further details could "jeopardize" the investigation.
"In situations like this, information is very fluid, and details are changing all the time," Martin said. "Please know that it is prudent and strategic to make sure all information is correct. In cases like this, with a homicide and a forthcoming prosecution, we are only allowed to release details that the Attorney General's (AG) office says we can release."
"Our focus is on putting together an investigation that is thorough, fair and accurate," Martin added. "The premature release of information can irreversibly harm a criminal investigation and in some cases lead to a dismissal or suppression of evidence."
Officials ask that anyone who may have information call Portland police at 207-874-8575. People can also text keyword PPDME and a message to 847411.
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