The University of New England’s Portland campus was placed on lockdown Saturday evening following a shooting incident reported nearby. Portland police are actively searching for a suspect in connection with the shooting.
Police Response and Lockdown Measures
According to the Portland Police Department, officers responded to a wooded area off Bishop Street late Saturday afternoon after receiving reports of shots fired. As of approximately 8:10 PM, police reported they were still searching for the individual involved in the incident.
Authorities advised nearby residents to remain indoors for their safety. At approximately 6:19 PM, UNE issued a lockdown alert, informing the campus community that police were responding to an incident near the university. Those on campus were instructed to stay in safe locations.
Ongoing Situation
The lockdown remained in effect as of 8:29 PM, with UNE’s official website stating that updates would be provided once the situation was resolved. Individuals still on campus were encouraged to contact campus safety and security at 207-602-2298 for assistance in being escorted off the premises by an officer.
Sarah Delage, UNE’s Associate Vice President of Communications, stated, “The university lockdown was implemented due to an ongoing, off-campus public safety situation in the vicinity of Bishop Street.” She added, “At this time, we have no reason to believe that the incident is in any way related to the university. The campus will remain in lockdown until the situation is resolved.”
Police Presence and Community Impact
News Center Maine reported a significant police presence at the scene, with over two dozen police vehicles, including both Portland and state police, as well as a SWAT vehicle. Officers were utilizing a drone to assist in the search of the wooded area.
In response to the situation, Happy Tails, a nearby dog care and training business, announced on social media around 8 PM that they would be locking their doors until further notice due to the “unspecified situation” on Bishop Street.
