Shelter in Place Order at Bates College in Maine

UPDATE 8 PM on 4/16/26

It was reported that, by 6 PM, the police had finished their search of the area and found no sign of the man.

The investigation into the situation continues...

According to WMTW, Bates College in Lewiston is under a shelter-in-place order because an armed man has been reported near the campus.

The armed man was reportedly spotted in the area of Central Avenue and Campus Avenue.  This is according to representatives for the school.

Police say the suspect is a white male in his mid-30s with noticeable tattoos, last seen wearing a blue hoodie and black pants.  It appears that the man is suffering some kind of mental health issue.

Members of the Bates College community received text alerts, obtained by Maine’s Total Coverage, urging them to steer clear of the area around Central Avenue and Campus Avenue.

In a Facebook update posted at 4:25 p.m., the Lewiston Police Department advised people near College Street between Sabattus and Russell streets to use caution as officers deal with what they called an “ongoing situation.”

Authorities also confirmed that nearby schools and hospitals were placed under a precautionary lockdown.

As we learn more information we will pass it along to you.