Saco Maine Police Search for Suspects After Gunfire Exchange and Vehicle Crash

Saco, Maine police are searching for suspects after an exchange of gunfire and vehicle crash that involved a school bus, prompting a brief citywide school lockdown.

On Friday afternoon, the Saco Police Department in Saco, Maine, urged residents to shelter in place while they searched for suspects involved in an exchange of gunfire and a vehicle crash at a busy intersection. The incident prompted a brief citywide school lockdown.

Reports of Gunshots and Multi-Vehicle Crash

According to the police, reports of gunshots and a multi-vehicle crash downtown occurred simultaneously. One of the vehicles involved was a school bus carrying children, but fortunately, none of them were harmed, confirmed city spokesperson Emily Roy.

Ongoing Investigation

The police described the investigation as an ongoing and fluid situation. They are actively searching for four individuals who fled from one of the cars involved in the crash, and one of them appeared to have been shot. Additionally, a firearm was recovered from one of the vehicles involved in the accident.

School Bus Involved in Crash

Roy stated that the crash involved a school bus from nearby Old Orchard Beach and another vehicle. Following reports of gunfire downtown, there were subsequent reports of a vehicle crash involving the bus from Old Orchard Beach.

Police Presence and Assistance

The incident resulted in a significant police presence in downtown Saco, with officers from multiple departments responding to the scene. Ryan Guay, a supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal in Portland, Maine, confirmed that the U.S. Marshals Service was assisting the Saco Police Department. He mentioned that there was a motor vehicle crash, and the suspects fled the scene and dispersed into the Saco area.

School Lockdown and Release

Thornton Academy, a school located near downtown, implemented a "full lockdown" as a precautionary measure. Students remained safe while the police monitored the situation. Later, the students were released, and the school devised a plan to release students who drove to school, as well as those who walk or are picked up by parents.

The Saco Police Department continues to investigate the incident and search for the suspects involved in the gunfire exchange and vehicle crash. The situation highlights the importance of community safety and cooperation during such events.