Current:Home > StocksMaine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official -CapitalCourse
Maine shooting suspect was 'behaving erratically' during summer: Defense official
View
Date:2025-04-19 21:01:41
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! (863)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Officials probe cause of wildfire that sent residents fleeing in San Bernardino
- Creating NCAA women's basketball tournament revenue unit distribution on board agenda
- Za'Darius Smith carted off field, adding to Browns' defensive injury concerns
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Lionel Richie Reacts to Carrie Underwood Joining Him and Luke Bryan on American Idol
- Chappell Roan may have made history at Lollapalooza with 'biggest set of all time'
- Jessica Simpson Addresses “Misunderstood” Claim About Her Sobriety
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Halsey Shares She Once Suffered a Miscarriage While Performing at a Concert
Ranking
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Social media pays tribute to the viral Montgomery brawl on one year anniversary
- Cause of death for Christina Sandera, Clint Eastwood's girlfriend, is released
- Elon Musk sues OpenAI, renewing claims ChatGPT-maker put profits before ‘the benefit of humanity’
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- What sustains moon's fragile exosphere? Being 'bombarded' by meteorites, study says
- Houston mom charged with murder in baby son's hot car death; grandma says it's a mistake
- NY homeowner testifies that RFK Jr. rents a room at trial disputing whether he lives in the state
Recommendation
Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
SEC, Big Ten domination headlines US LBM Coaches Poll winners and losers
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in Talks to Star in New Romance Movie
Kansas sees 2 political comeback bids in primary for open congressional seat
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Son Olin's Famous Godfather Revealed
What is a carry trade, and how did a small rate hike in Japan trigger a global sell-off?
How Google's huge defeat in antitrust case could change how you search the internet