Manhunt On For 24 Hours For Suspect Who Killed 22 In US, FBI Joins In. Arrest Warrant Issued

Law enforcement agencies in the US have intensified the search operation to find the suspect who killed 22 people in Maine on Wednesday.

Law enforcement officials gather in the road leading to the home of the suspect being sought in connection with two mass shootings in US. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

A search operation to nab the suspect who shot dead 22 in a bowling alley in United States' Maine has been on for the last 24 hours as police issued an arrest warrant and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) joined the manhunt. The shooter, a US Army reservist identified as Robert Card, killed 22 people and injured many others at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston on Wednesday night. Police said they issued an arrest warrant against him on eight counts of murder, reported BBC. According to CNN, the law enforcement officials and FBI on Thursday evening reached the suspect's last known address.

The officials surrounded Card's home and FBI SWAT teams conducted a search of his home. BBC mentioned the shooting began at the bowling alley in the small town of Lewiston just before 19:00 local time (23:00 GMT), according to the police colonel. Later, the man went on a shooting rampage at a nearby restaurant killing more people.

Authorities asked the residents to continue to shelter in place throughout the overnight hours as they searched the suspect.

The Lewiston police earlier released a photo of the vehicle connected to the shootings. In a Facebook post, the police said they were looking for a vehicle with a front bumper painted black. Androscoggin County Sheriff urged people "to lock down and or close" all businesses as it probed the matter. 

“We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate,” the sheriff’s office said earlier Wednesday evening. “Please stay inside your home with the doors locked,” state police said. “If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911.”

Among the deceased is 34-year-old Tommy Conrad, the manager of the bowling alley where the shooting took place. The incident occurred at three separate places across the city, as per the Sun Journal newspaper.