Suspected Maine Mass Shooting Gunman has No Confirmed Ties to Massachusetts: Police

Massachusetts authorities joined the search for Robert Card, the suspect wanted for two mass shootings in Maine that left at least 18 dead on Wednesday night, but clarified on Thursday afternoon they had no reason to believe the 40-year-old firearms instructor had left Maine or had ties to Massachusetts.

In a statement early Thursday afternoon, Massachusetts State Police said troopers were deployed along the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border to be on the lookout for the alleged gunman's vehicle – a measure the department described as a "standard proactive deployment."

"There was no intelligence that suggested the suspect had fled toward Massachusetts," authorities said. "That vehicle was later located abandoned in Maine."

Additionally, the agency has sent a trooper assigned to its bomb squad unit and his K9 partner to the Lewiston area "in his capacity as an ATF Task Force officer," police said.

Authorities also said they were not aware of any confirmed ties Card may have to Massachusetts.

"Our Fusion Center is gathering and processing a large amount of continually evolving information," Massachusetts State Police said. "If we become aware of a confirmed threat or nexus to Massachusetts, we will provide official notification to media and the public."

Local news outlet WBZ had reported late Wednesday that Card, who has a military background, has ties to Massachusetts, and that Massachusetts State Police were stationed along the Maine border late Wednesday night as police scoured the area for Card.

On Thursday, chatter on police scanners suggested Card may have driven a Chevrolet Suburban SUV on Interstate 93, from New Hampshire into Massachusetts.

According to WPRI, Massachusetts State Police issued an alert to be on a lookout for a Blue Chevy Suburban with Maine license plate 6625ZD, but it was unclear if Card was in the vehicle.

David Procopio, a spokesman for Massachusetts State Police, told The Messenger on Thursday morning reports of a connection to Card are "unsubstantiated at this time."

"We are gathering more information," Procopio wrote in an email.

Ryan McGee, the police chief in Lisbon, Maine, told reporters he did not have details on the reports of the SUV search.

Communities around Maine were on lockdown Thursday, as authorities searched for Card in Androscoggin County. Police said Card should be considered "armed and dangerous."

Law enforcement said on Wednesday evening, a shooter opened fire at Schmengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, then traveled about four miles to the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley, which was hosting a youth bowling event.

The total, exact number of deaths was still unknown Thursday morning, but at least 18 people were believed dead and 13 others injured.

So far, investigators have located a white Subaru Outback, that was discovered near the Lisbon boat dock on Frost Hill Avenue near Route 196, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The search for Card on early Thursday morning centered on a boat launch near where the Subaru was found.

According to multiple reports, Card was treated this summer for mental illness after he was accused of threatening to shoot up a National Guard Base in Saco, Maine. He also reportedly said recently that he was "hearing voices."

It wasn't clear what disorder or illness Card may have been receiving treatment for.

According to the local CBS affiliate, the Sagadahoc County Sheriff was familiar with the suspect, having had "interactions" with him in the past.

This story has been updated to include statements from Massachusetts State Police.