Maine shootings: at least 16 people feared dead and dozens injured, police sources say

At least 16 people were killed in Wednesday night shootings at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine, according to police sources.

Police confirmed there were incidents at two locations and that the shooter remained at large late into the evening as the city was on lockdown.

Two law enforcement officials not authorized to speak publicly told the Associated Press the death toll was at least 16 people, and that dozens of others have been injured.

Authorities ordered residents and business owners to stay inside and off the streets.

Multiple outlets have offered conflicting fatality counts ranging from 10 to 22.

Lewiston police said in an earlier Facebook post that there was an “an active shooter incident” at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) away.

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Lewiston police said that 40-year-old Robert Card was a “person of interest” and should be “considered armed and dangerous”. A state police bulletin reviewed by the AP news agency said he was a firearms instructor trained by the military.

The sheriff’s office released two photos of a suspect on its Facebook page, showing a man walking into an establishment with a gun raised to his shoulder.

On its website, the central Maine medical center said staff were “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients.

Maine state police ordered residents to shelter in place Wednesday night because of “two active shooter events”.

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The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8pm as the Androscoggin county sheriff’s office reported that law enforcement agencies were investigating.

“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the sheriff’s office said.

A spokesperson for the Maine department of public safety urged residents to stay in their homes with their doors locked.

“Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now,” Shannon Moss said. “Again please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation.”

This handout image from the Androscoggin county sheriff’s office via Facebook shows a photo of the armed suspect. Photograph: Androscoggin county sheriff’s office/AFP/Getty Images

The governor, Janet Mills, released a statement echoing those instructions. She said she has been briefed on the situation and will remain in close contact with public safety officials.

The Sun Journal newspaper reported that police, fire and rescue personnel converged on Sparetime Recreation before reports were received of a shooting at a second location, a bar and grill.

Kathy Lebel, a co-owner of Schemengees, who was not at the bar before gunfire erupted, said she was told a person walked into the restaurant and “started shooting”. The staff ran out, she said.

“It was just a fun night playing cornhole … it’s the last thing you’re expecting, right?” Lebel told the newspaper. “I still feel like this whole thing is a nightmare.”

Lebel was among about two dozen people outside the central Maine medical center trying to get more information about friends and family. One man said a friend had gone to Schemengees for cornhole night and was not answering his phone.

Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting and will continue to receive updates, the White House said. The president spoke to the governor of Maine and offered full federal support to the state, according to the White House.