CORNISH, Maine —
It was a normal Tuesday afternoon for workers at Call's Shop'n Save in Cornish, until gunfire broke out just down the street.
"When we first heard about it, we figured we may end up having to go into lockdown," Mark Call said.
A man was shot twice in the parking lot of Fairgrounds Pizza and Pub. Although nobody in the business was hurt, it was so close for comfort that Call couldn't help but think about how he might react in that situation.
"It's very concerning, happening more in the state of Maine unfortunately," Call said.
At Fairgrounds Pizza and Pub, the owner said a server who was outdoors was the first to see the gunman. She alerted other staff and customers and everyone sprung into action, locking doors and windows before hiding.
Call said he believes he would do the same in a similar situation.
"Staff safety first, do a shutdown, make sure everybody is safe, make sure 911 is called before anything," he said.
Maine State Police Cpl. Kyle Wells said keeping each other safe is the best thing workers can do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation inside or outside a restaurant or other business.
Wells said doing so can actually help responding officers do their jobs.
"That's a huge priority because there's the scene going on and we need to focus on that," Wells said.
Wells said after Tuesday's shooting incident, officers were dealing with the alleged shooter at large and a victim who was injured and bleeding.
"The trooper that responded there, he took the suspect into custody and applied a tourniquet to the victim. So he was dealing with both a suspect and a victim at the same time," Wells explained.
If there are members of the public at risk, it creates an added concern. Wells said the best way to help is to find somewhere to stay safe until the situation is handled.
"Everyone these days wants to kind of be a hero and get involved. Again, that's what we're there for, so call 911, stay away from windows and doors, and make sure they're locked," he said.
It's advice many businesses are keeping in mind while trying not to let it rule their lives.
"We're a small community, everybody knows everybody and we're trying not to change that feel, but being vigilant is really important," Call said.