3 shot while driving on I-295; officials confirm shooting connected to deaths in Bowdoin

Published: Apr. 18, 2023 at 11:25 AM EDT|Updated: Apr. 18, 2023 at 5:51 PM EDT
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YARMOUTH, Maine (WMTW) - An investigation into the death of four people in Bowdoin is connected to the shooting on Interstate 295 in Yarmouth Tuesday, officials confirmed.

Officials say they were called to a home in Bowdoin, where they found four people dead inside.

Shortly after, around 10:30 a.m., officials reported several vehicles being hit by gunfire on I-295 near exits 15 and 17/East Main Street.

According to authorities, three people were shot while driving their vehicles. One of those individuals was seriously injured.

A person has been detained in relation to the incident and is being interviewed.

Maine’s Total Coverage reporter Terry Stackhouse was on scene where two vehicles were spotted in front of a number of police cruisers. One of the vehicles appeared to have multiple bullet holes in the front windshield.

Officials initially were searching for a second possible person of interest, as around a dozen officers in tactical gear took to the woods near the cars.

Maine State Police would later say they are not looking for a second person, but ask those who may have witnessed anything at either incident to call them at 207-624-7076.

WMTW spoke with one man who told Stackhouse he was headed south on the interstate when he spotted gun smoke from a vehicle.

The Maine Department of Transportation closed the southbound side of I-295 for hours. The interstate has since been reopened, however the ramp to Exit 15 remains closed.

Gov. Janet Mills took to Twitter on Tuesday to say she is shocked and deeply saddened by the incidents:.

“Like people across Maine, I am shocked and deeply saddened – acts of violence like we experienced to shake our state and our communities to the core,” Mills states.

The governor continues, adding her thoughts are with families, friends and loved ones of those impacted by the tragedy: “I am praying for the quick recovery of those who are hospitalized.”

In a final tweet, Mills adds: “There is still much to learn, but I’m grateful to the quick response of State, county, and local law enforcement to protect Maine people.”

This story is developing.