Rumford police probe gunshot damage to clock tower: ‘Enough is enough’
Rumford Police Investigate Multiple Gunfire Incidents, Arrest Suspects; Historic Clock Tower Damaged
Rumford, Maine – A series of gunfire reports that began on the evening of October 10 prompted the city’s police department to launch a multi‑day investigation that culminated in the arrest of three individuals and the discovery of bullet damage to the Municipal Building’s clock tower.
The first shots were heard at about 8:42 p.m. on Oct. 10, according to a release issued by Police Chief Tony Milligan. Officers on duty at the police department on River Street reported hearing multiple gunshots and the sound of a projectile striking a structure on Congress Street. As they approached, calls came in from residents in the Waldo Street area near Rumford Avenue, reporting additional gunfire.
Investigators found evidence that a bullet struck the elevated section of the Municipal Building’s clock tower facing Waldo Street. Because the damage was high and inaccessible, officers deployed a large crane on Wednesday morning to inspect the impact site and assess repairs needed to prevent water damage to the historic structure. The crane allowed a closer examination of the holes in the tower’s walls, which police said would need to be patched.
During the ensuing investigation, no suspects were located in the immediate search of the surrounding area. However, a shelter‑in‑place advisory was issued after further reports of gunfire in the neighborhood on the early hours of October 11 and again on October 14. That same day, officers served a search warrant at 209 Waldo Street. Police from the Maine State Police Tactical Team were on scene, but the suspects had fled before the team arrived.
On Oct. 20, U.S. Marshals Service agents arrested 21‑year‑old Blake Lachance of Lewiston in Westbrook on multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault, reckless conduct and criminal mischief. Lachance was captured after attempting to flee on foot, according to the Marshals Service.
The same address where the warrant was served became the scene of a separate arrest on Oct. 25. Rumford police apprehended 19‑year‑old Jazya D. Swan, also of Lewiston, after a foot pursuit that led to his discovery on the porch of a Cumberland Street home. A 15‑year‑old girl from Lisbon was arrested at another residence on Waldo Street; her name was withheld for privacy reasons.
Chief Milligan emphasized the seriousness of the incidents and the department’s commitment to public safety. “These recent acts of violence are serious, and I fully understand the concerns and frustrations of our residents,” he said. “They deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and throughout their community.” He added, “It is frustrating to see our community unfairly characterized by the criminal actions of a relatively small number of individuals. Those individuals do not define Rumford, and their actions are not a reflection of the overwhelming majority of the good people who live here.”
The chief urged residents to come forward with any information related to the gunfire or other violent activity in the Waldo Street area. “Anyone with information concerning the recent gunfire or related violent criminal activity in the Waldo Street area is encouraged to call the Rumford Police Department at 207‑364‑4551.”
Rumford’s historic Municipal Building remains under repair, with officials working to seal bullet holes and mitigate further damage while the investigation continues.
