Plainclothes police officers who were training nearby were the first to respond to a shooting rampage at a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine. Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck confirmed that four plainclothes officers arrived at Sparetime Recreation bowling within a minute and a half of hearing the calls for help. The officers, who were not in uniform and did not have their radios, immediately addressed the threat and cleared the building.
According to Commissioner Sauschuck, the first 911 call was received at 6:56 p.m., and the on-duty officers arrived at the location four minutes later. The four plainclothes officers were already at a shooting range nearby and responded quickly upon hearing the call. At 7:01 p.m., eight more officers arrived, followed by the first Maine State Police trooper at approximately 7:08 p.m.
The response time of the officers has been praised considering the urban atmosphere and the fact that troopers are not typically stationed in the area. The first officers arrived at Schemengees Bar and Grill, where another 911 call had been made, five minutes after the initial call. More officers from different locations also quickly arrived at the scene.
The search for the suspect, Robert Card, continues as authorities investigate the mass shooting that left 18 people dead and 13 injured. The incident has shocked the community and prompted discussions about security measures and gun control.
The quick response from the plainclothes officers highlights the importance of training and the need for law enforcement agencies to have a strong presence in communities. The incident serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of police officers who put their lives on the line to protect the public.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Digital and Fox Business, based in Orlando, Florida. Contact her at [email protected] for story tips and ideas.
