Police searching Springvale for potentially armed suspects who shot at officer
Sanford police and multiple other agencies are searching Tuesday for suspects who they say opened fire on an officer during a traffic stop. (Abigail Driscoll/Staff Writer)
Multiple potentially armed suspects remained at large Tuesday evening amid an hourslong, multiagency search in Springvale after police say the suspects opened fire on an officer during a traffic stop.
The officer was not hurt and Sanford police said in a public safety alert at 4:50 a.m. that officers from multiple agencies were searching the area around the following roads:
- Blanchard Road
- Hanson Ridge Road
- Lebanon Street
- Oak Street
- Smith Road
- Sunset Road
Police Maj. Mark Dyer said an officer had attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Lebanon and Shaw streets just before 1:15 a.m., but someone in the vehicle fired several rounds at the officer and their cruiser before fleeing the scene.
Dyer said the vehicle was later found abandoned on a trail off Blanchard Road. Investigators will seek a search warrant to examine possible evidence from the vehicle.
He said the department did not have any description of the suspects or any leads to share with the public as of Tuesday morning, but that police are searching for “two or more” people in connection with the shooting.
Anyone in the area should remain alert and call 911 if they see anything, police say. Members of the public should not engage with anyone suspicious because the suspect may still be armed.
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People are being asked to avoid the area. In addition to Sanford police, the York County Sheriff’s Office, police from Berwick, Kennebunk and Old Orchard Beach, and a helicopter crew from the Maine Forest Service are assisting with the investigation, Dyer said.
In an update Tuesday afternoon, Sanford police said K-9 searches have turned up no definitive leads. Police have also been conducting door-to-door checks.
“We understand that the continued uncertainty surrounding this incident is concerning,” police wrote in their update. “Please remain aware of your surroundings. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, do not approach or engage them—move to a safe location and call 911 immediately.”
Dyer said the department would provide updates with the public through social media as they are available.
This is a developing story.
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Tagged: police, public service, sanford maine, springvale maine, york county Maine
Abigail is a community reporter for Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Sanford, and Wells. She recently moved up to Maine from Connecticut after getting her bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism at the University. More by Abigail Driscoll
