The family of Robert Card has made a plea for him to turn himself in, according to his brother in an interview with CNN. As authorities continue their extensive search, the 40-year-old suspect remains at large and is facing an arrest warrant for at least eight counts of murder.
Late last night, a tragic incident unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, where at least 18 people were fatally shot at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a nearby bowling alley situated approximately 4 miles away. Among those present at the time were parents and children participating in a children’s bowling league.
In response to the ongoing manhunt, the Maine State Police has extended a shelter-in-place order, as announced by the region’s emergency management agency. The order advises residents of Androscoggin County, including the site of the shootings in Lewiston, and nearby Northern Sagadahoc County, to immediately seek shelter indoors. The agency also emphasised the importance of securing homes and vehicles during this time.
According to the Maine state website, individuals instructed to shelter in place should promptly head indoors. Residents are advised to close and lock all doors and windows and draw their curtains and blinds.
While Massachusetts police do not believe Robert Card is in their state, law enforcement officers are maintaining vigilance and monitoring developments. Patrols have been deployed along the border with New Hampshire to watch for any signs of the suspect’s white Subaru, according to an official statement. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Maine. The statement clarified that there was no intelligence suggesting that the suspect had fled towards Massachusetts, but authorities remain attentive to all available information and will update local law enforcement partners and the public accordingly.
To recap the latest developments: Robert Card, 40, is the subject of an arrest warrant, and an extensive search operation is currently underway. He is wanted on eight counts of murder. State police clarified that out of the 18 victims, only eight have been formally identified so far. Card, a petroleum supply specialist and Sergeant First Class in the US Army Reserve, enlisted in December 2002. An internal police notice revealed that he worked as an army firearms instructor and had spent two weeks in a mental health facility earlier this summer.
One of the victims has been identified as Joseph Walker, according to his father as reported by NBC Boston. President Joe Biden has issued a statement expressing the nation’s mourning and urging Republican lawmakers to enact stricter gun laws. Governor Janet Mills of the affected area has advised citizens not to approach Card if spotted and warned that he may be armed and dangerous.
In response to the ongoing situation, residents of Lewiston and nearby towns Auburn and Bowdoin have been instructed to shelter in place. As a precautionary measure, schools and municipal buildings in Lewiston remain closed, and non-emergency personnel have been advised to stay home.
The mass shooting in Lewiston has been identified as the deadliest in America thus far this year. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure public safety and bring the suspect to justice.
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