Maine State Police in Lewiston are under scrutiny for their handling of a mass shooting incident in October, where a gunman killed 18 people. There has been criticism over the delay in locating the shooter, Robert Card, after his abandoned car was found. Police defended their decision, citing concerns about Card’s military training, thermal gun scope, and night vision capabilities that led them to fear an ambush.
Major Lucas Hare, head of the state police operations division, testified that they decided to delay the search in the woods where Card’s car was found due to the potential danger posed by his military background. The delay led to a two-day search before Card’s body was eventually found.
The shooting, which took place at a bowling alley and a bar, was described as extremely challenging by State Police Chief Col. Bill Ross due to its unique circumstances. The incident prompted an independent commission to investigate the law enforcement response and to determine if there were any measures that could have prevented the tragedy.
A significant aspect of the investigation centers around warning signs that were potentially missed leading up to the shooting, including concerns expressed by Card’s family about his deteriorating mental health and access to guns. Warning signs were also reported to Army officials, indicating a possibility of a future mass shooting.
The situation highlights the complexities of dealing with mental health issues and the potential risks posed by individuals with access to firearms. It also raises questions about the need for improved communication and collaboration between law enforcement and other relevant authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The investigation serves as an opportunity to reevaluate existing protocols and procedures with the aim of better addressing mental health concerns and identifying potential threats before they escalate into acts of violence. As the commission continues its inquiry, the hope is that it will lead to actionable insights and recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening again.