Current:Home > MyMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -Wealth Empowerment Academy
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-16 03:56:05
A manhunt is underway for the suspect in a mass shooting in Maine that killed at least 18 people and wounded 13 others, officials said.
The mass shooting unfolded in two locations in Lewiston on Wednesday evening: a bowling alley where a children's league was taking place and a local bar, officials said.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office released a photo Tuesday night of the suspect brandishing a semi-automatic rifle at one of the locations.
The suspected gunman -- identified as 40-year-old Robert Card -- has been a U.S. Army reservist since December 2002, the Army confirmed. His current rank is as a sergeant first class and his job is a petroleum supply specialist. He has no combat deployments.
Authorities found the suspect’s white Subaru at a location in Lisbon, several miles southeast of Lewiston, Wednesday night, sources said. The abandoned car was a critical piece of evidence in allowing police to focus on Card, multiple law enforcement officials told ABC News.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Card for eight counts of murder for the victims who have been identified so far, officials said. The arrest warrant will be updated when the other 10 victims are identified.
"Mr. Card is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances," Maine Gov. Janet Mills said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
MORE: Maine mass shooting live updates
Maine officials did not speak to a potential motive, but said they are looking into Card's mental health when asked during the press briefing about his background and gun possession.
"I know that we will be reviewing that information as we move forward, but that's not an answer that we're prepared to give today," Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said.
"There’s still an active search for the suspect in question," he said.
A U.S. Defense Department official confirmed to ABC News that Card was "behaving erratically" while deployed over the summer with his Army Reserve Unit to Camp Smith Training Center in upstate New York to support summer training for West Point cadets.
Leaders of the Army Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment informed garrison staff at the training site about his behavior on July 17, the defense official said.
"Out of concern for his safety, the unit requested that law enforcement be contacted," the official said.
MORE: Maine shooting timeline: How the mass shootings in Lewiston unfolded
New York State Police officers responded and transported Card to Keller Army Community Hospital at the U.S. Military Academy for medical evaluation, the official said.
New York State Police has stationed armed troopers at the entrances to Camp Smith as a precaution to beef up the armed security, according to the official.
No further details were released by the official.
Card was not assigned to West Point as any sort of instructor, including firearms, an academy official told ABC News.
"While his unit supported West Point summer training, our records indicate he did not instruct nor have any interactions with cadets in training," the official said.
Card's military service awards include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
veryGood! (233)
Related
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- National Queso Day 2024: Try new spicy queso at QDOBA and get freebies, deals at restaurants
- Lindsay Lohan's Rare Photo With Husband Bader Shammas Is Sweeter Than Ice Cream
- Bachelor Nation's Kelsey Anderson Shuts Down Jealousy Rumors Amid Fiancé Joey Graziadei's DWTS Run
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Small town South Carolina officer wounded in shooting during traffic stop
- Federal officials have increased staff in recent months at NY jail where Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is held
- David Beckham shares what Lionel Messi wanted the most from his move to MLS
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Game of Thrones Cast Then and Now: A House of Stars
Ranking
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- NFL bold predictions: Who will turn heads in Week 3?
- S&P 500, Dow hit record highs after Fed cuts rates. What it means for your 401(k).
- Police chase in NYC, Long Island ends with driver dead and 7 officers, civilian taken to hospitals
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Lizzo Responds to Ozempic Allegations After Debuting Weight Loss Transformation
- Elle King says she didn't want 'to hurt' dad Rob Schneider after speaking 'her truth'
- A man is fatally shot by officers years after police tried to steer him away from crime
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Week 3 NFL fantasy tight end rankings: Top TE streamers, starts
Diddy faces public scrutiny over alleged sex crimes as questions arise about future of his music
Police saved a baby in New Hampshire from a fentanyl overdose, authorities say
'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
Best used cars under $10,000: Sedans for car shoppers on a budget
Georgia State Election Board approves rule requiring hand count of ballots
'21st night of September' memes are back: What it means and why you'll see it