Current:Home > ScamsMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -Edge Finance Strategies
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:35:38
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! (2715)
Related
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Man charged with threatening to kill presidential candidates found dead as jury was deciding verdict
- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon confirm service outages for customers abroad
- Latest monolith found in Colorado: 'Maybe aliens trying to enhance their communications'
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Giant sinkhole swallows the center of a soccer field built on top of a limestone mine
- A first up-close look at the U.S. military's Gaza pier project, which has struggled to get aid to Palestinians
- Former Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo arrested 2 years after Robb Elementary School shooting
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Supreme Court strips SEC of key enforcement power to penalize fraud
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- EPA is investigating wastewater released into Puhi Bay from troubled Hilo sewage plant
- Elon Musk has reportedly fathered 12 children. Why are people so bothered?
- Salmon slices sold at Kroger and Pay Less stores recalled for possible listeria
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Back End
- Marilyn Monroe’s former Los Angeles home declared a historic monument to save it from demolition
- Prosecutors charge second inmate in assault that left Wisconsin youth prison counselor brain-dead
Recommendation
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
Supreme Court rejects Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan that shielded Sackler family
Missouri governor says new public aid plan in the works for Chiefs, Royals stadiums
Jury in NFL Sunday Ticket case rules league violated antitrust laws, awards nearly $4.8 billion in damages
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Beyond Yoga Sale: The Jumpsuit That Makes Me Look 10 Pounds Slimmer Is 50% Off & More Deals
The White House wants $4 billion to rebuild Key Bridge in Baltimore and respond to other disasters
Wildfires rage across three states as evacuations, searches continue