Saco shooting suspects remain at large

The Saco Police Department has lifted a temporary “shelter-in-place” order that was issued early Friday morning after a reported shooting incident that happened near the corner of Main and Elm streets in Saco.

As of 8 p.m., Friday, the suspects who were involved in the shooting incident have not yet been apprehended.

In a statement issued Friday evening, police described the situation as an ongoing “active investigation.” Police are asking members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Saco Police Department.

What happened earlier today?

According to a statement from the Saco Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunshots in downtown Saco just before noon on February 9.

Witnesses told police that the shooting took place between two vehicles, a red Dodge Charger and a gray Honda HRV, near the intersection of Elm and Temple streets.

Police say the vehicles then moved toward the intersection of North and Elm streets, where a collision occurred. The Honda HRV, which was involved in the shooting, crashed into another vehicle in the intersection. The force of the crash pushed the vehicles into an Old Orchard Beach school bus stopped at the intersection.

No students on the bus reported being injured in the crash, according to police.

Following the collision, four men described as Hispanic males ran away from the scene. Evidence at the scene indicates that at least one person, wearing all dark clothing, who fled from the crash scene, had been shot in the right arm, police said.

A firearm was observed in the back seat of the Honda HRV. This vehicle has been towed and secured in the furtherance of the investigation.

During a press conference earlier today, Police Chief Jack Clements told reporters that the gun in the vehicle was a “semi-automatic” handgun.

Police, including mutual aid from local and regional agencies, tactical units, K9 units, and drone operators, are continue to search and clear areas where potential sightings of the suspects were reported.

The red Dodge Charger was found outside the city of Saco later in the evening and is being towed and secured as the investigation continues.

As of press time, it remains unclear about where exactly the vehicle was found.

As a precaution, all Saco schools, including Thornton Academy and Thornton Academy Middle School, were locked down due to proximity to the incidents.

Students were later released under police supervision.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the suspects, the shooting, or the vehicle accidents to please contact the Saco Police Department at SacoPD@sacomaine.org or by calling 207-284- 4535.

Additionally, crime tips may be submitted at www.sacomaine.org/departments/police_department/crime_tip_form.php.

During the earlier press conference, Clements told reporters he does not believe that there is any connection between this incident and a previous shooting several weeks ago on Temple Street.

The Friday incident triggered a massive law enforcement response, including members of the Maine State Police tactical squad, the U.S. Marshall’s Office and neighboring law enforcement agencies, including the Biddeford Police Department, the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, the Kennebunk Police Department, the Wells Police Department, the Scarborough Police Department, the York County Sherriff’s Department and the  Cumberland County Sherriff’s Department.

“Right now our thoughts are with our brave first responders who are handling this situation,” said Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail in a written statement.

Saco Bay News will continue to monitor and update this story as more information becomes available.

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.