UPDATE: Police have identified Ahmed Basheer Awad as the suspect wanted in connection with a shooting at the Maine Mall in South Portland. DETAILS HERE
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SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) – Police are searching for a suspect after a shooting at the Maine Mall on Wednesday.
Police say he was seen leaving through the food court entrance after the shooting on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say there is no risk to the public, but if anyone does see the suspect, to call police.
Police say the incident started in the food court at around 4 p.m.
Investigators released photos of the suspect taken from surveillance cameras at the mall.
Witnesses say they heard two shots fired in the bathroom of the food court.
That’s when they say everyone in the food court started running in a panic.
South Portland police say one person was shot. The victim underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
Two young women say they were walking away from the food court when they heard two shots fired.
“We were walking out and all we hear is two gunshots,” Eternity Ouellet said. “One was really quiet, and then the second one was a big echo into the parking lot, and that’s when people started screaming and running out, and saying, ‘Help, run.'”
“And then all of a sudden people with babies, everybody, started running out of the mall screaming ‘Help, run, everybody get out,’ and we were like, terrified,” Savannah Cookson said.
South Portland police say the preliminary investigation suggests that this is an isolated incident.
Police do not believe the public is at risk.
Governor Janet Mills released a statement about the incident:
“I have been briefed on the situation at the Maine Mall in South Portland. I thank State and local law enforcement for their swift response. I advise Maine people to follow the instructions of law enforcement and to avoid the area until otherwise instructed.”
According to the Maine Mall’s website, it appears the stores will re-open on Thursday at 10 a.m.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Portland Police Detective Lieutenant Christopher Todd at (207) 799-5511 ext. 7448 or email [email protected]. You can also leave an anonymous tip at (207) 347-4100.
