Maine Authorities Avoided Confronting Robert Card Prior to Shooting to Prevent Escalation

Based on concerns that it would simply exacerbate the situation, a Maine law enforcement official decided not to press charges against the person who would later kill eighteen people, as recently disclosed dashcam footage reveals. On October 25, Robert Card went on a murderous rampage at Lewiston’s Schemengees Bar and Grille and Just In Time bowling alley, leaving 18 people dead and 13 more wounded.

The Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Sgt. Aaron Skolfield and Army Reserve Capt. Jeremy Reamer engaged in conversation on September 16 in dashcam footage that the Portland Press Herald was able to get.

After Card made a threat to “shoot up” an Army reserve center in Saco, Maine, Skolfield followed up with Reamer over some of his actions. The report states that the sheriff’s office went to Card’s home for a “welfare check” in response to that report and that they then quickly staked out the Army reserve center.

“The only thing I would ask is if you could just document it,” Reamer stated. Say only that: ‘He was present, but he was not cooperative.'” However, we were able to ascertain that he was breathing and alive. Following that, we can proceed. I believe that’s all that we truly need to search for.” Skolfield brought up the state’s “yellow flag” rule, which allows for the seizure of firearms from those deemed potentially hazardous.

That presents a challenge for us to overcome. Nonetheless, we also don’t want to worsen the situation by tossing dynamite into a gas pool,” Skolfield added. To which Reamer replied, “I’m a cop myself.” “I don’t want you guys to get hurt or do anything that would put you guys in a compromising position.”

Father of Joseph Walker, the victim of the incident, Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker Sr., was shocked by what happened. What exactly we teach these people to do intrigues me. For what purpose is it there? or halt law-abiding citizens who might be exceeding the speed limit by 11 miles per hour?” Walker said, calling the video “sick.”

In Lisbon Falls, Maine, Card used to work at a recycling factory. On October 27, he was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound next to a dumpster.

The report was aided by the Associated Press.