Bates College Emergency Management

The following was posted to the Lewiston Police Department Facebook page at approximately 9pm on 4/16/26:

This afternoon, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, the Lewiston Police Department responded to an incident at St. Mary’s Hospital related to an ongoing investigation in Auburn. The individual being sought had fled from family members and was believed to be armed with a firearm.

Due to the hospital’s proximity to Lewiston Middle School, the Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent was notified and made the decision to place the school in lockdown for students attending after-school activities. Bates College and other organizations in the area also chose to initiate lockdown procedures out of an abundance of caution.

During the course of the investigation, Lewiston Police have determined that no firearm was observed by family members or any other witnesses. The individual has made no threats to harm members of the public.

To ensure public safety, Lewiston Police Officers will remain in the area and the investigation remains active.

We would like to thank our local schools and community members for their cooperation during this incident.

The Lewiston Police Department has notified Bates that there is no explicit threat to campus, and Bates is lifting the shelter in place guidance. Lewiston Police officers have performed a thorough search of the area and there is no indication the individual of interest is in close proximity to Bates. While we are lifting the shelter in place, as ever, be aware of your surroundings and call 911 if you see someone matching the description of the individual. The individual has been described as a white male in his mid-30s, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants, with a prominent neck/facial tattoo.

Please remain in shelter in place. Lewiston Police continues to actively search the area for the individual and the college is in communication with the city.

At 3:40 Bates was notified by Lewiston Police Department of an individual walking on Campus Ave from Sabattus Ave towards Central Ave; emergergency message sent to campus at that time. Description of individual is white male, mid-30’s, visible tattoos, with a blue hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Bates is advised to shelter in place. Lewiston police / law enforcement are looking for the individual. More information will be provided as provided.