10-27-2023 12:21pm

Search for Lewiston mass shooting suspect intensifies as authorities investigate 530-plus leads

Samantha Hespos Editor

LEWISTON, Maine —

Authorities are actively pursuing over 530 tips and leads in their ongoing search for Robert Card, the suspect wanted in connection with two tragic mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine. These senseless acts claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left 13 others injured.

On Thursday, an arrest warrant was issued for Robert Card, a 40-year-old resident of Bowdoin, charging him with eight counts of murder. State officials are prepared to file additional charges as they confirm the identities of more shooting victims.

During a news conference held on Friday morning, Mike Sauschuck, Public Safety Commissioner, confirmed that shelter-in-place orders for the areas of Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon, and Bowdoin are still in effect. He also mentioned that the process of collecting evidence at the shooting scenes in Lewiston will require several more days to complete.

Mike Sauschuck also elaborated on the search efforts, stating that divers will be conducting searches in the Androscoggin River, where Robert Card's car was discovered near the boat launch.

Additionally, the FBI has established a Digital Tip Line for the public to provide information related to the suspect or the shootings.

Several search warrants were executed at a residence on Meadow Road in Bowdoin, with officials clarifying that any announcements made over a loudspeaker were standard procedure during a search warrant operation.

Sauschuck announced that daily news conferences at 10 a.m. will be held to provide regular updates on the ongoing search efforts.

The latest updates on the tragic incident:
- The suspected gunman, 40-year-old Robert Card, is confirmed to be a U.S. Army reservist, as confirmed by the Army.
- Card's family is cooperating with authorities, according to law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation by ABC News.
- Governor Mills reported that 18 individuals lost their lives, and 13 others sustained injuries in the attacks.
- The shootings occurred at two locations, the Just-In-Time Recreation Bowling Alley and Schemengees Bar in Lewiston.
- Seven individuals lost their lives at the bowling alley, and eight at Schemengees Bar, while three others passed away in transit to the hospital.
- Among the victims was a freshman student at Winthrop Public Schools.
- Senator Susan Collins remarked that it appears Maine's yellow flag should have been raised as a precaution.
- Shelter-in-place orders have been issued for Androscoggin County and Northern Sagadahoc County.
- State police are urging anyone with information about Robert Card or the Lewiston shootings to call 207-213-9526 or 207-509-9002.
- The FBI has established a Digital Tip Line for receiving information about the suspect and the shootings.

The manhunt for Robert Card extends across Maine, with the U.S. Coast Guard joining in the search effort. They have confirmed their involvement in searching the state's waterways, including the Kennebec River.

Furthermore, investigators have searched Card's home and reportedly discovered a suicide note addressed to the suspected shooter's son.

It's heartbreaking to learn the names of the victims who lost their lives in this tragic incident. They are as follows:
- Joseph Walker, the owner of Schemengees Bar.
- Bob Violette.
- Tricia Asselin, a 53-year-old part-time employee at Just-in-Time Recreation who was present for bowling at the time of the shooting.
- Steven Vozzella and Bill Brackett, who were at a gathering at Schemengees Bar for the deaf community.
- Peyton Brewer Ross.
- Joshua Seal.

Our thoughts go out to their families and loved ones during this difficult time.

The Army has officially confirmed that Robert Card has been an Army Reservist since December 2002. His current rank is Sergeant First Class, and he serves as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, according to the Army.

A U.S. defense official disclosed that on July 17, leaders of the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment, raised concerns about Card's erratic behavior at the Camp Smith Training Site in New York. Out of concern for his well-being, the unit requested law enforcement involvement, leading to a response by the New York State Police who took Card to Keller Army Community Hospital at the United States Military Academy for a medical evaluation.

To enhance the security at Camp Smith, New York State Police have stationed armed troopers and squad cars at the facility's entrance, in addition to the security provided by the New York National Guard that operates Camp Smith.

Residents in Androscoggin County and Northern Sagadahoc County are being advised to continue sheltering in place as the search for Card remains ongoing. Maine State Police urge anyone who observes suspicious activity or individuals to promptly call 911.

Mike Sauschuck, the commissioner of Maine's Department of Public Safety, emphasized their determination to bring the suspect into custody, stating, "We have a very strong, laser-like focus on bringing this suspect into custody."

In an official Facebook post, the Lewiston police underscored the potential danger, describing Card as armed and dangerous, and requested that the public contact law enforcement if they have any information about his whereabouts. The post also included a photo of Card.

On Wednesday evening, Maine State Police swiftly responded to an active shooter situation unfolding at two separate locations: the Spare Time Bowling Alley on Mollison Way and Schemengees Bar on Lincoln Street. The severity of the situation prompted the mobilization of multiple law enforcement agencies from across New England, and officials strongly advised residents to remain indoors, securing their doors.

A state police intelligence bulletin revealed that Robert Card had previously been committed to a mental health facility for a two-week period during the summer of 2023. The bulletin, however, did not provide specific information regarding his treatment or condition. Additionally, the document disclosed that Card had reported hearing voices and had made threats of carrying out a shooting at the military training base in Saco, Maine.

Riley Dumont shared with ABC News that her 11-year-old daughter was participating in a children's bowling league at Spare Time Bowling Alley when they heard multiple gunshots. In response, Dumont's father, who is a retired officer, took immediate action to protect their family, guiding them into a corner.

Dumont described the harrowing situation, saying, "I was laying on top of my daughter, my mother was laying on top of me." During the incident, Dumont witnessed three or four apparent victims.

Central Maine Medical Center has officially classified the incident as a 'mass casualty event' and a 'mass shooter event.' Fourteen individuals were transported to the hospital. As of 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, CMMC reported that they are caring for eight victims. Among these victims, three are in critical condition, while five are considered stable.

At the reunification center, Mayor Levesque expressed, "This is currently a place of mixed emotions in the region. It serves as a reunification center where people and witnesses who have experienced traumatic events are coming together with their families. However, we cannot overlook the turmoil and trauma that they are currently enduring."

A message from the Maine State Police, as conveyed on their Facebook Page, emphasizes, "We urge the public to stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to address the situation. If you observe any suspicious activity or individuals, please promptly dial 911."

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the ongoing situation and will continue to receive updates. Senator King's office has conveyed that the president reached out to the senator to offer federal assistance.