POLAND – A gunman suspected of setting a fire in Mechanic Falls late Monday night was keeping police at bay in front of Harry’s RV Sales on Route 121 early Tuesday morning, police said.
As firefighters from several towns battled the structure fire at 67 Water St. in Mechanic Falls, more than a dozen police officers from the Sheriff’s Department, State Police and Auburn blocked Route 121.
A State Police tactical team, skilled in negotiations and marksmanship, arrived at the scene about 12:20 a.m. to take charge.
Officers were talking with the gunman, who was standing beside his car, telling him, “Put the gun down. We want to get you some help.”
An officer said the man was armed with a rifle.
Police were laying spike mats to puncture the tires of the gunman’s car should he decide to take off, police said.
A trailer-truck driver said he came upon the scene and was ordered to take cover behind his rig.
“The trooper came up to us and told us there’s a man with a gun and that we may be in the line of fire,” said Steve Vail of Concord, N.H. “We didn’t argue with him. We got right out of the cab.”
Vail and a companion took cover behind the rig owned by McLane Groceries Distribution of Concord.
At least half a dozen police cruisers were stationed on the highway, doors open and deputies crouched behind.
Two Auburn police officers were also at the scene along with a state police trooper.
One officer said the man is suspected of setting a fire in Mechanic Falls a short time before the standoff.
An Auburn Fire Department engine was on its way to the fire and had to take an alternate route after finding the highway blocked.
About a dozen drivers and bystanders who were waiting in the parking area of E & L Homes across Route 121 from the scene were advised to leave.
Police also advised Harry Busch, owner of Harry’s RV Sales, to go into his basement in case shots were fired at his home, which is located next to his sales lot.
An ambulance en route from Lewiston to Norway was delayed in front of E & L Homes.
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