Current:Home > InvestMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -FundCenter
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-15 02:26:57
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! (26)
Related
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Greenhouses are becoming more popular, but there’s little research on how to protect workers
- Summer 'snow' in Philadelphia breaks a confusing 154-year-old record
- Pro-war Russian athletes allowed to compete in Paris Olympic games despite ban, group says
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Summer 'snow' in Philadelphia breaks a confusing 154-year-old record
- JD Vance accepts GOP nomination and highlights Biden's age and his youth
- Louisiana toddler dies after shooting himself in the face, sheriff says
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- How many points did Bronny James score? Lakers-Hawks Summer League box score
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Triple decapitation: Man accused of killing parents, family dog in California
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich returns to Bojangles menu along with WWE collectible item
- JD Vance's abortion stance attacked by Biden campaign
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Scientists are ready to meet and greet a massive asteroid when it whizzes just past Earth
- Book excerpt: Night Flyer, the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman
- Hawaii’s latest effort to recruit teachers: Put prospective educators in classrooms sooner
Recommendation
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Would putting a limit on extreme wealth solve power imbalances? | The Excerpt
The Vampire Diaries' Torrey DeVitto Says She Quit Show Due to Paul Wesley Divorce
Newly arrived migrants encounter hazards of food delivery on the streets of NYC: robbers
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
Tom Sandoval sues Ariana Madix for invasion of privacy amid Rachel Leviss lawsuit
How many points did Bronny James score? Lakers-Hawks Summer League box score
Olivia Wilde Shares Rare Photo of Her and Jason Sudeikis’ 7-Year-Old Daughter Daisy