Police say Lewiston schools, hospitals in lockdown due to ‘incident’

LEWISTON (WGME) — A shelter-in-place order has been issued at the Bates College campus in Lewiston.

The alert says that the Lewiston Police Department is responding to a report of an armed suspect in the area of Central Avenue and Campus Avenue.

The text messages say the suspect is described as a man in his mid-30s, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

A spokesperson for Bates College says they are monitoring the situation after there were reports of a gunman near campus.

The Lewiston Police Department says it is responding to an ongoing situation on College Street.

Police say local schools and hospitals are in lockdown while they manage the incident.

Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent Jake Langlais issued a statement Thursday about the lockdowns.

We received word this afternoon that law enforcement is currently looking for an individual that may pose a threat to themselves or others. Out of precaution we are locking down our campuses and events/ sending students home if appropriate. We have not had an incident. This is a precaution. We will share updates as soon as we are able to.

Remember, Avoid, Deny, Defend.

Get to a safe place. We will message further.