Police in Maine said they were searching for a suspect on Wednesday night amid an active shooter investigation in the town of Lewiston, about 45 minutes north of Portland by car.
The Central Maine Medical Center said the hospital was reacting to a mass casualty event. The hospital said it did not yet have specific numbers on casualties to share.
The hospital said it was working with other area medical facilities to take in patients.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office gave limited details about the suspect, but released images from a security camera showing what appeared to be a White male wearing a brown hoodie and dark cargo pants holding what appears to be an assault rifle and walking into a building.
SEE MORE: Texas now requires armed security on all school campuses
Police said they were investigating two active shooter events, and asked businesses to go on lockdown or close entirely on Wednesday night amid their hunt for the suspect.
By just before 9 p.m. authorities said the suspect was still at large and they had not issued a major update on their search.
Maine’s Gov. Janet Mills released a statement saying, “I am aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston. I urge all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement. I will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with public safety officials.”
Earlier on Wednesday night the Lakes Region Maine Fire and Rescue team warned the public that an “active shooter” was spotted in Lewiston. The team told people to avoid the area and “shelter in place immediately.”
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
Phoenix reaches record number of heat-related deaths 1st major storm of the season drops up to a foot of snow in Montana Hide the pizza! These are the US cities with the most rats