Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Deputy Shot, Killed In Norridgewock

A manhunt is underway after the Wednesday morning shooting on U.S. Route 2.

NORRIDGEWOCK, ME — A manhunt is underway after a Somerset County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed on Wednesday morning on U.S. Route 2 in Norridgewock. The deputy had been responding to a report of a robbery, media outlets reported.

Eugene Cole, 62, has been identified as the victim. Cole's son is also employed as a deputy by the sheriff’s office.

The suspect has been identified as John Williams, 29, of Madison. He is considered armed and dangerous.

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Law enforcement agents appeared to try to track the suspect across central Maine, according to CentralMaine.com Multiple schools were placed on lockout or lockdown, the news outlet said.

Williams was arrested last month in Massachusetts on gun charges and had been expected in court on Wednesday in that state.

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Maine State Police have issued a nationwide alert.


Photo credit: Maine State Police

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