Police are investigating reports of a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine

In this video image, an unidentified man points a gun while entering Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday. Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office via AP hide caption

toggle caption Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office via AP

In this video image, an unidentified man points a gun while entering Sparetime Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday.

Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office via AP

Authorities in Androscoggin County, Maine, have asked residents to shelter in place as the search continues for a suspect in a series of mass shootings Wednesday night in Lewiston, the second-largest city in the state.

Previously, the Lewiston Police Department had instructed people to stay inside with doors locked, citing a “manhunt in the area.”

The Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston says it is responding to a “mass casualty, mass shooter event,” and is coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients. The hospital has not shared specifics on the numbers of casualties.

Lewiston police say the target of the manhunt is connected to shootings at three different locations — including Schemengees Bar and Grille, and Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley.

The police department has released images of the suspect in tonight’s shootings, as well as an image of the suspect’s vehicle. It has also asked people to stay off the roads to give emergency responders easier access to hospitals.

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said in a statement, “I am heartbroken for our city and our people. Lewiston is known for our strength and grit and we will need both in the days to come.”

The superintendent of Lewiston Public Schools says all classes will be canceled tomorrow.

In a statement on the school system’s web page, Superintendent Jake Langlais said, in part, “There will not be school tomorrow. At this time, there will be no activity at Lewiston Schools Thursday, October 26, 2023. There remains a lot of unknowns at this time. Information moves quickly but not always accurately. Please continue to shelter in place or get to safety.”

The White House said President Biden was aware of the situation, telling reporters, “The president has been briefed on what’s known so far about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and will continue to receive updates.”

This is a developing story. Some things reported by the media may later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from law enforcement officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.