After a US Army reservist caused a massacre that left 18 dead in the state of Maine on Wednesday, police continue to intensively search for suspected shooter Robert C. (40). On Friday evening, investigators arrived at his home in the small town of Bowdoin and officers combed through several properties. According to the police, it is not known whether the suspect is in one of the houses searched.
The American Coast Guard was also looking for him because an escape by boat was not excluded. Police urgently warned residents about the fugitive and called on people not to leave their homes.
The gunman opened fire Wednesday evening at a recreation center with bowling alleys and a barbecue restaurant in the small town of Lewiston. He killed seven people at the first crime scene and eight people at the second. Three other victims died in hospital shortly after the crime. Another 13 people were injured. The perpetrator’s motive was not yet known the next day.
Witness: “Run as far as I could”
A survivor who lost her sister in the bloody crime told CNN: “We were bowling and heard a loud bang.” At first she wasn’t sure what was going on. But then she heard several shots. “I ran as far as I could.”
Lewiston has a population of nearly 40,000 and is located in Maine, about 125 miles north of Boston on the east coast of the US. The city is about a 30-minute drive from Bowdoin, the suspect’s hometown. About six miles from Lewiston, police found the car they were looking for: a small white SUV.
The police identified 40-year-old reserve soldier Robert C. as the suspected perpetrator. He reported for military service in 2002 but completed no combat missions. He studied engineering technology, but did not graduate. The newspaper also reported that the man’s behavior seemed strange to colleagues a few months ago. He had reportedly been in psychiatric treatment for two weeks and according to media reports he thought he heard voices.
Investigators reportedly found a note in the man’s home. However, they did not provide any information about its contents. The suspect’s family is cooperating with the police. According to broadcaster ABC, the man’s sister reportedly told investigators that she believed her brother was looking for an ex-girlfriend at the crime scene. He and his ex-girlfriend often went to the recreation center and barbecue restaurant.
The perpetrator may have fled by boat
The search for the fugitive is also very difficult because the rural area is sparsely populated. Investigators fear the suspect may have hidden in the woods or even escaped on a boat. According to colleagues, the man would have experience moving around the site. Hundreds of police officers combed the area. The authorities were reluctant to provide information; hardly any details were made public.
On Thursday evening it initially seemed that the police might be successful. CNN reported that FBI Federal Police officers had taken a position in front of the suspect’s home, shouted his name and asked him: “Come out with your hands up!” A short time later, police said on platform
School shootings are a sad daily occurrence in the United States
In the US, disasters and deadly shootings are unfortunately part of everyday life. Firearms are easily available there and widely distributed. Bloody attacks – for example on schools, supermarkets, nightclubs and at major events – regularly shock the country with many victims. This repeatedly leads to discussions about tightening gun laws, but so far without any results. As a rule, stricter regulations fail because of the Republicans and the powerful gun lobby.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
