Shelter in place lifted after shooting and explosions reported on Russell Ave in Auburn

Update: The situation is under control. According to a police statement, the shelter-in-place order has been lifted as there is no longer a threat to public safety.

However, there will be a significant police and fire presence around the scene for some time. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area if possible.

Original Report:

A large emergency response unfolded on Russell Avenue early Saturday morning. Gunshots erupted, explosions were heard, and at least two houses caught fire. Reports indicate a gunman may be barricaded inside a garage.

The situation remains unclear – it’s unknown if anyone else is inside the residence. Firefighters are on standby to extinguish the flames once it’s safe to do so. Law enforcement is working to locate the gunman. As a precaution, nearby homes have been evacuated, and a section of Russell Avenue has been blocked off.

An emergency alert instructed residents in the area of Russell Avenue to shelter in place due to an active shooter situation. Central Maine Power has cut electricity to the area for safety reasons.

The Maine State Police tactical team arrived around 2:45 am to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large. A house fire, possibly ignited during the incident, is raging with flames reaching neighboring rooftops. Police prioritize locating the shooter to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department, along with Lewiston, Mechanic Falls, and Sabattus police departments, are all responding to the active shooter situation on Russell Avenue. Livermore Falls police are handling calls elsewhere in the county to ensure statewide coverage.

Auburn Fire Captain Chris Moretto reported three explosions around 2:15 am, believed to be connected to the initial fire.

There are unconfirmed reports of a woman being shot and taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Authorities are currently focused on locating the suspect and ensuring public safety.

An additional explosion was heard around 3:00 am, and more State Police are arriving at the scene as the situation continues to develop.

By 3:15 am, heavy smoke and embers filled the air above Court Street as the fire intensified. Police advised nearby residents to evacuate their porches and seek shelter, preferably in their basements.

At 4:00 am, Auburn police issued a Facebook update, urging residents in the vicinity of Russell Avenue (located off Court Street between Park and Western Avenues) to remain sheltered in place as the active situation continued to unfold.