Massachusetts State Police are in regular contact with authorities in Maine as the manhunt for Robert Card, wanted in connection with a massacre in Lewiston, Maine, continues.
At least 18 people were killed in locations that include a bowling alley and local pub.
“Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn has been in contact with his counterparts from Maine and the other New England states to assess and coordinate capabilities for providing mutual aid to the Maine State Police,” according to an MSP statement released Thursday morning. “The full complement of Massachusetts State Police assets stand ready for deployment if requested, as necessitated by the evolving investigation and fugitive apprehension mission.”
The trooper deployed, a member of the MSP bomb squad, was sent in along with his K9 partner as a member of a federal ATF task force, according to the MSP.
State police are also continuing to probe whether or not Card, 40, has any connections to to Massachusetts. So far, none have been confirmed, according to the statement.
“We continue to monitor all available intelligence and will update our local law enforcement partners and the public of any developments that affect our state,” the statement said.
Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck described Card as a person of interest in a briefing he gave following Wednesday night’s mass shooting. Thursday morning, Card was declared a suspect and a warrant charges him with 8 counts of murder, with more charges expected, authorities said.
“If people see him, they should not approach Card or make contact with him in any way,” Sauschuck said, adding that anyone who sees him should contact 911 or their local police departments.
In a police bulletin circulated to law enforcement officials, Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.
That document stated Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base.
A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service.
Lewiston Police said that the shootings occurred at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles away.
— This is a developing story.
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