In the quiet town of Lewiston, Maine, tragedy struck on Wednesday night as a wave of mass shootings left 18 innocent victims dead and 13 others wounded. The suspect, Robert Card, remains at large, prompting a massive manhunt involving hundreds of officers and border enforcement agencies.
The search for this “armed and dangerous” individual has extended to the Canadian border, with authorities on high alert.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement faces numerous challenges in apprehending Card, who possesses military training and knowledge of evasive tactics.
The Attack
On that fateful Wednesday evening, chaos erupted in Lewiston as Robert Card unleashed a barrage of gunfire at two separate locations.
The first target was a bustling bowling alley, Just-in-Time Recreation, where seven lives were tragically cut short. Shortly after, Card proceeded to Schemengees Bar & Grille, a nearby restaurant, where eight more individuals lost their lives.
Among the victims were Bill Young and his 14-year-old son, Aaron, who were enjoying a night out at the bowling alley. The senseless violence left the community in shock and mourning, with three additional victims succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.
The Manhunt Intensifies
Since the shootings, law enforcement agencies from across Maine have been working tirelessly to track down Robert Card. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) swiftly joined the effort, conducting a raid on Card’s last known address.
Although the property was cleared with no signs of the suspect, investigators scoured for crucial evidence, including weapons, computers, and documents that could shed light on Card’s motives and potential whereabouts.
In the news: California Man Sentenced In Chilling ‘Ice Ax’ Murder Of Woman In A Garage
The Search Spreads to Canada
With Lewiston situated just three and a half hours away from the Canadian border, authorities in Canada’s New Brunswick province have also been alerted to the ongoing manhunt.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with their American counterparts. Given the close proximity, it is crucial to prevent Card from attempting to cross the border into Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency has issued an “Armed & Dangerous – Firearms lookout” to border officers, heightening security measures at the 18 official entry points shared between New Brunswick and Maine.
Heightened Vigilance in Border Towns
In the border town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Mayor Allan MacEachern emphasized the importance of community awareness, noting the heightened presence of American and Canadian officers at the border crossings.
The use of alert apps and public notifications further reinforces the need for residents to keep their eyes and ears open, ensuring the safety of their community.
The Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement
As the manhunt for Robert Card intensifies, law enforcement officials recognize the unique challenges they face in apprehending him. Card’s military training and knowledge of evasive tactics make him a formidable adversary.
CNN Law Enforcement Analyst Jonathan Wackrow highlights Card’s elevated level of firearms proficiency and his expertise in military strategies, particularly evasion and going undetected. These factors pose significant obstacles for law enforcement agencies, requiring them to employ specialized tactics and resources to successfully track and apprehend Card.
Impacted Communities Under Shelter-in-Place Orders
In the wake of the mass shootings, the communities of Lewiston, Bowdoin, and Lisbon remain under shelter-in-place orders. Residents have been instructed to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel until further notice.
Local schools have also been closed, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. The ongoing manhunt has instilled fear and uncertainty among residents, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
Support for the Victims and Their Families
As the investigation continues, the identities of all the victims have not yet been released. Families of the deceased and those affected by the shootings are grappling with unimaginable grief and loss.
In times like these, it is crucial for communities to come together and offer support to those who need it most. Local organizations, community leaders, and individuals are rallying to provide assistance, counseling, and resources to the victims’ families, ensuring they receive the necessary support during this difficult time.
The Role of Media and Public Cooperation
In an effort to aid the manhunt, authorities have released photographs of a bearded man in a brown hoodie and jeans, believed to be Robert Card, holding what appears to be a semi-automatic rifle.
The media plays a vital role in disseminating this information to the public, raising awareness and encouraging cooperation.
Members of the community are urged to report any sightings or information that may help law enforcement in their search for Card.
It is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and work together to ensure the swift apprehension of the suspect.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps