Crime
Maine Mall shooting suspect identified as 20-year-old Ahmed Basheer Awad
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Authorities have identified the suspect in the Maine Mall shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The South Portland Police Department (SPPD) announced that they are actively searching for Ahmed Basheer Awad, a 20-year-old resident of Westbrook.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Elevated Aggravated Assault, a Class A felony, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.
The shooting took place at approximately 4 p.m. in the food court area of the Maine Mall. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots coming from the bathroom within the food court. The commotion led to panic and chaos, with mall patrons—including families with young children— fleeing for safety.
Following the shooting, surveillance footage captured the suspect, Ahmed Basheer Awad, leaving the mall through the food court entrance.
SPPD has confirmed that one person was shot and later underwent surgery. The victim is expected to survive. Police officials have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat; however, they urge anyone who sees the suspect to immediately contact law enforcement.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and reviewing surveillance footage from the mall to gather additional evidence.
Police urge anyone with information regarding Ahmed Basheer Awad’s whereabouts or details related to the shooting to contact:
- Detective Lieutenant Christopher Todd at 207-799-5511 Ext. 7448 (christo@southportland.gov)
- Detective Jeff Levesque at 207-799-5511 Ext. 7435 (jeffle@southportland.gov)
- Anonymous tips can be submitted at 207-347-4100
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to ensuring public safety and bringing the suspect into custody. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.