Crime
1 killed after shooting in Windham, suspect James Ford found dead
WINDHAM, Maine — Authorities have confirmed that suspect in a fatal shooting in North Windham, identified as James O. Ford, was found deceased following a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to officials, the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Friday along Route 302 near Landing Road in North Windham.
Officers from the Windham Police Department, assisted by the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, responded to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts administered by bystanders and first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators quickly identified James O. Ford as the primary suspect. Witness accounts led officers to believe that Ford fled the scene in a silver vehicle heading toward Raymond.
A short time later, police located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of a Dunkin’ store in Raymond.
Maine State Police Major Lucas Hare stated that Ford was located shortly after the vehicle was found.
His cause of death has not yet been released, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy in the coming days.
The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for residents in Windham and Raymond at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Authorities also closed Route 302 at Landing Road for several hours, reopening it around 6:30 p.m. The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted shortly before a press conference held at 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Central Fire Station.
During the search, an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) alert was issued stating:
“Gunman at large in North Windham. Shelter indoors, lock doors. Report suspicious behavior to 911. Last seen Windham/Raymond line. Stay inside. Tune to local news or Windham PD for updates.”
Officials later clarified that the alert had been mistakenly broadcast statewide instead of to the targeted affected area.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved, will be released once family members have been notified.
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.