EMERGENCY ALERT: WINDHAM, Maine — Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and secure their homes after police issued an emergency alert regarding an armed suspect on the loose in the North Windham area.
According to the Windham Police Department, the alert was sent out Friday afternoon warning the public of an active situation involving a gunman last seen near the Windham/Raymond town line. Officers are actively searching the area and have asked residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately report any suspicious activity to 911.
Current Situation
Police say the suspect is armed and considered dangerous. While few details about the individual have been released, investigators confirmed that the man was last spotted in the vicinity of the Windham/Raymond border, prompting a widespread manhunt. Law enforcement units from multiple agencies, including Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police, have been deployed to assist in the search.
Residents in and around North Windham are being told to:
- Stay indoors and lock all doors and windows.
- Avoid answering the door for strangers.
- Keep pets inside and children under close supervision.
- Monitor official updates via local television, radio, and the Windham Police Department’s official social media channels.
Police Response and Public Safety Measures
In a statement, Windham Police emphasized that public safety is their top priority and that the ongoing search may involve road closures, police checkpoints, and an increased presence of armed officers in neighborhoods. Officers are going door-to-door in some areas to ensure residents are aware of the danger.
Authorities have not disclosed what led up to the emergency alert, though unconfirmed reports suggest that the suspect may be connected to a prior incident earlier in the day. Investigators are urging the public not to spread rumors or unverified information on social media, as it can hinder the search and potentially endanger lives.
Community Impact
Businesses and schools in the affected area have initiated lockdown procedures, with after-school activities suspended until further notice. Parents have been advised not to attempt picking up children from any facilities currently in lockdown unless instructed otherwise by officials.
Ongoing Investigation
The Windham Police Department is working closely with surrounding jurisdictions to track the suspect’s movements. Officers ask that anyone who may have home security camera footage from the Windham/Raymond area review recordings from the last few hours for possible sightings of the suspect. Any relevant footage should be shared with investigators immediately.
What Residents Should Do
Law enforcement officials are reiterating that the safest place for residents right now is inside their homes. Anyone who sees someone matching the suspect’s description—or hears or sees anything suspicious—should call 911 immediately and avoid direct confrontation.
Further details, including a description of the suspect, will be released as soon as police are able to confirm the information. Updates will continue to be provided by local news outlets and directly from the Windham Police Department.
If you want, I can also make a real-time style breaking news update that feels like it’s coming directly from a newsroom, so it can be posted as the situation unfolds. That would make it even more urgent-sounding.
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