Rumford, ME Police Department

10/30/2026

10/29/2026

RUMFORD POLICE ANNOUNCE GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS AGAINST TWO MEN IN SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION INVOLVING FIVE JUVENILE GIRLS

RUMFORD, MAINE — October 29, 2026

The Rumford Police Department announces that two men have been indicted by an Oxford County Grand Jury on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from an investigation into alleged sexual assaults involving five juvenile girls, ages 12 to 14, in Rumford earlier this year.

On August 3, 2026, Rumford Police initiated an investigation following a report of a possible sexual assault involving a minor at the Swainbrook Apartments on Spruce Street in Rumford.

As investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, the investigation expanded significantly after police learned that five juvenile girls, ranging in age from 12 to 14, were allegedly involved.

According to the investigation, the juveniles encountered an adult male in Rumford whom they did not previously know and subsequently accompanied him to an apartment at the Swainbrook Apartments complex. Once there, the juveniles attended a gathering with that individual and a second adult male, who was also previously unknown to them.

During the gathering, the two adult males allegedly furnished alcohol and ma*****na to the juveniles and engaged in unlawful sexual acts involving minors.

Rumford Police conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations, which included gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the reported offenses.

On October 14, 2026, evidence developed during the investigation was presented to the Oxford County Grand Jury, which returned indictments against both adult males. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued based upon those indictments.

DIEGO RAMIREZ

DIEGO RAMIREZ, 29, of Swainbrook Apartments, Rumford, Maine, was indicted on the following 12 charges:

- Four (4) counts of Gross Sexual Assault — Felony
- One (1) count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor — Felony
- Two (2) counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact — Felony
- One (1) count of Unlawful Sexual Contact — Misdemeanor
- One (1) count of Aggravated Unlawful Furnishing of Scheduled Drugs (Ma*****na) — Felony
- One (1) count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child — Misdemeanor
- One (1) count of Furnishing Liquor to a Minor — Misdemeanor
- One (1) count of Allowing a Minor to Possess or Consume Alcohol — Misdemeanor

NKIALUZITU MAYINGI

NKIALUZITU MAYINGI, 31, of Preble Street, Gorham, Maine, was indicted on the following 12 charges:

- Five (5) counts of Gross Sexual Assault — Felony
- Four (4) counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact — Felony
- One (1) count of Aggravated Unlawful Furnishing of Scheduled Drugs (Ma*****na) — Felony
- One (1) count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child — Misdemeanor
- One (1) count of Furnishing Liquor to a Minor — Misdemeanor

PRIOR ARRESTS AND CUSTODY STATUS

RAMIREZ was initially arrested by Rumford Police on August 9, 2026, and charged with preliminary felony sexual offenses and child endangerment in connection with the investigation. Following his arrest, RAMIREZ was released on bail pending further court proceedings and presentation of the case to the grand jury.

Investigators also developed probable cause to charge MAYINGI with offenses arising from the same incident. However, police were initially unable to locate MAYINGI, prompting Rumford Police to obtain warrants for his arrest.

On September 16, 2026, MAYINGI was subsequently located and arrested in Cumberland County on those warrants. He was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where he remained in custody, unable to post bail, when the grand jury returned the indictments on October 14.

On October 27, 2026, RAMIREZ was arrested again, this time by deputies from the Oxford County Sheriff's Office in Buckfield, Maine. Deputies encountered RAMIREZ while conducting an unrelated investigation and took him into custody on the outstanding arrest warrant issued following the October 14 grand jury indictment.

The charges outlined in the October 14 grand jury indictments represent the formal criminal charges upon which the State of Maine is proceeding with prosecution against both defendants.

STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE

"The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing. Five young girls, ranging in age from just 12 to 14, were allegedly provided alcohol and drugs and subjected to serious sexual assaults by adults. Our investigators have worked diligently to establish the facts, identify those responsible, and bring this case before the grand jury. Protecting children from sexual abuse and assault is among our highest responsibilities, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

This case also serves as an important reminder to parents, teenagers, and younger children about personal safety and the dangers of placing their trust in people they do not know. Accepting rides from strangers, accompanying unfamiliar adults to private residences, or going places without a parent's knowledge or approval can expose young people to serious risks. What may initially seem like an innocent or harmless situation can quickly become something very different.

Young people are naturally curious, increasingly independent, and sometimes more confident in their ability to recognize danger than their life experience might justify. That's part of growing up. But the world can be a dangerous place, and not everyone they encounter has good intentions. It's our responsibility as parents, guardians, and adults to help them understand those realities before they find themselves in a situation they are unprepared to handle.

We also live in a very different world today. Social media, instant messaging, and other technology have made it easier than ever for young people to connect with others, including people they may know very little about. These technologies have changed how young people communicate, socialize, and form relationships, and they have created challenges that many of us never faced growing up.

I strongly encourage parents and guardians to have frank, direct, and ongoing conversations with their children about personal safety, recognizing potentially dangerous situations, and making informed decisions. Know who your children are spending time with, where they are going, and who they are communicating with. Most importantly, make sure your children know they can call you for help, at any time and under any circumstances, without fear of being judged or punished for asking. Their safety must always come first.

I also want to emphasize that these dangers are not unique to Rumford. They exist in communities large and small, whether in Rumford, Maine, or New York City. Rumford is a good community, filled with hardworking, caring people and families who look out for one another. The alleged criminal actions of two individuals do not define who we are as a town, nor should they overshadow the many good people who call this community home. No community is immune from criminal behavior, and acknowledging these realities does not mean our community is unsafe. It means we must remain informed, involved, and vigilant.

Finally, I want to be absolutely clear that responsibility for the alleged sexual assaults in this case rests with the adults accused of committing them, not with the children involved. The purpose of sharing these safety reminders is not to place blame on victims, but to help prevent other children and families from experiencing similar harm.

Our responsibility as a police department extends beyond investigating crimes and bringing offenders before the courts. It also includes educating the public, helping families recognize potential dangers, and working together to keep our community and our children safe."

— Chief of Police, Rumford Police Department

Because this case involves juvenile victims and allegations of sexual offenses, the Rumford Police Department will not release information that could identify the children involved or compromise their privacy, and ask that the community do the same.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct and is not a determination of guilt. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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10/29/2026

🎃👻 GHOSTS, GOBLINS & A LITTLE EXTRA POLICE MAGIC THIS HALLOWEEN! 🐾🚔

Halloween is almost here, and K9 Niko and the entire Rumford Police Department want to make sure our community's little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, princesses, and other costumed characters have a safe, fun, and memorable evening!

🚔 WE'VE GOT YOUR SIX, RUMFORD!

While the kids are busy filling their candy bags, your Rumford Police officers will be out in extra numbers on Halloween evening, patrolling our neighborhoods both by vehicle and on foot, keeping a watchful eye on all the festivities.

Some officers will be in uniform, while others will be in plainclothes, blending right in with the crowds. After all, not everyone keeping an eye on the ghosts and goblins will be wearing a police uniform! 😉

We'll be watching for unsafe behavior, suspicious activity, and those occasional mischievous spirits who might be tempted to spoil the fun for everyone else.

But don't worry — we're not here to scare away the fun!

Our mission is simple: Let kids be kids, let families enjoy Halloween, and help make sure everyone gets home safely.

🍬 A FEW FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN REMINDERS FROM K9 NIKO:

🔦 Be seen! Carry flashlights or glow sticks, wear something reflective, and make sure drivers can see you.

👨‍👩‍👧 Stick with your pack! Younger children should have an adult along, and older kids should travel together.

🚦 **Look both ways!** Cross streets carefully, use crosswalks when possible, and never assume a driver sees you.

🚗 Drivers, slow down! Expect excited little ghosts and goblins to appear when you least expect them. A little extra patience and caution can make all the difference.

🍭 Check the treats! Parents, give that Halloween candy a quick inspection before the feast begins.

🏠 Be a good neighbor! Respect others' property, visit homes welcoming trick-or-treaters, and remember that Halloween fun shouldn't come at someone else's expense.

And if you happen to see one of our uniformed officers out and about, give us a wave or stop and say hello! We enjoy seeing all those creative costumes, too.

🐾 One final reminder from K9 Niko: Stay safe, stick with your pack, and remember — chocolate is for humans, not dogs!

🎃👻 HAPPY HALLOWEEN, RUMFORD!

From all of us at the Rumford Police Department, we wish you and your families a wonderful Halloween filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of treats!

💙 We're here for you. Every day. Every night. Even on Halloween.

— Rumford Police Department

10/28/2026

RUMFORD POLICE INVESTIGATE APPARENT GUNSHOT DAMAGE TO MUNICIPAL BUILDING CLOCK TOWER

Crane utilized to inspect damage as police continue investigations into recent gunfire and violent criminal activity

RUMFORD, MAINE — October 28, 2026
On Wednesday morning, October 28, the Rumford Police Department utilized a large crane to access and inspect apparent gunshot damage to the clock tower of the historic Rumford Municipal Building as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of recent reports of gunfire in downtown Rumford.

The Municipal Building, located in the heart of downtown Rumford, houses the Rumford Police Department, an Oxford County Sheriff's Office substation, Rumford District Court, and numerous municipal government offices.

On the evening of October 10, at approximately 8:42 PM, officers working at the Rumford Police Department heard multiple gunshots, along with what sounded like a projectile striking the Municipal Building. As officers began investigating, reports also came in from residents reporting gunfire in the area of Waldo Street near its intersection with Rumford Avenue.

Police immediately responded and conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, but no suspects were located at that time.
Additional reports of gunfire in the same neighborhood followed during the early morning hours of October 11 and again on October 14. Throughout this period, Rumford Police maintained an active investigation, gathering information, following investigative leads, and working to identify those responsible.

As the investigation developed, police identified suspects and obtained sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant for 209 Waldo Street. During the predawn hours of October 14, Rumford Police, assisted by the Maine State Police Tactical Team, executed that warrant as part of the ongoing investigation into suspected fi****ms-related offenses and drug trafficking activity.

One of the principal suspects was subsequently apprehended in Westbrook, Maine, on October 20 through a coordinated effort involving the United States Marshals Service and local law enforcement.

Meanwhile, investigators had discovered damage consistent with a bullet strike to an elevated portion of the Municipal Building's clock tower facing Waldo Street. Due to the height and location of the damage, investigators were unable to safely access the area for a closer examination.

On Wednesday morning, October 28, a crane was brought in to provide access to the clock tower, allowing police to further investigate the apparent damage and facilitate necessary repairs to prevent water infiltration and additional damage to the historic building.

The apparent gunshot damage to the Municipal Building is consistent with the circumstances surrounding the recent reports of gunfire in the Waldo Street area and remains an important component of the department's ongoing investigation.

The apparent impact of gunfire on an occupied public building that serves as a center for municipal government, law enforcement, and the courts underscores the serious danger posed by gun violence in a populated downtown area. Law enforcement personnel were present inside the building at the time of the October 10 incident, although municipal offices and District Court were closed.

The investigation has continued to develop as police examine additional incidents and information.

On October 25, Rumford Police responded to a double stabbing at 209 Waldo Street, resulting in additional arrests and criminal charges.

To date, three individuals have been arrested in connection with investigations involving the Waldo Street location. Police continue to pursue investigative leads and work closely with prosecuting authorities to ensure that criminal charges are supported by the evidence developed.

Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan emphasized both the department's determination to address the violence and his confidence in the community:

"I've lived in Rumford my entire life, and I know firsthand what kind of community this is. Rumford is a beautiful place to live, work, raise a family, and enjoy everything western Maine has to offer. We have hardworking people, caring families, good neighbors, and generations of residents who have built their lives here and genuinely look out for one another."

"It is frustrating to see our community unfairly characterized by the criminal actions of a relatively small number of individuals. Like every community, we have people who engage in dangerous criminal activity and sometimes prey upon others. But those individuals do not define Rumford, and their actions are not a reflection of the overwhelming majority of the good people who live here."

"These recent acts of violence are serious, and I fully understand the concerns and frustrations of our residents. They deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and throughout their community. We share those concerns and take them very seriously."

"Our officers have been working tirelessly, often around the clock, investigating these incidents, following leads, gathering evidence, and working alongside our law enforcement partners. These are complex, evolving investigations that require patience, persistence, and careful attention to detail. As sufficient evidence is developed, we will continue to identify, locate, apprehend, and pursue appropriate criminal charges against those responsible."

"Let me be clear: Enough is enough. We will not allow the reckless and dangerous actions of a few individuals to define our community or undermine the quality of life our residents deserve. Rumford is a good community filled with good people, and we intend to do everything within our lawful authority to keep it that way."

Police emphasize that these investigations remain active and that certain details are being withheld to protect their integrity.

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

Anyone with information concerning the recent gunfire or related violent criminal activity in the Waldo Street area is encouraged to contact the Rumford Police Department at (207) 364-4551.

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10/25/2026

RUMFORD POLICE ARREST MASSACHUSETTS WOMAN AFTER AXE ATTACK DURING DISPUTE OVER MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORT

RUMFORD, MAINE – October 25, 2026

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 11:57 AM, Rumford Police responded to a 911 call reporting that a woman was attacking a man with an axe during an argument in the parking lot of Madison's Condos, located at 1257 U.S. Route 2 in Rumford.

Multiple Rumford Police officers responded, assisted by a deputy from the Oxford County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival, officers found that the individuals had separated and the immediate confrontation had ended.

An investigation determined that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle transportation arrangement.

The investigation revealed that the 44-year-old male victim, a resident of Madison's Condos, had arranged through social media for Luciane Dezan, 46, of Medford, Massachusetts, to transport his red 1984 Honda GL1200 motorcycle from his former residence in Northborough, Massachusetts, to Rumford.

When Dezan arrived with the motorcycle, the victim discovered damage that he believed had occurred during transportation. After confronting Dezan about the damage and indicating that he was unwilling to pay the full agreed-upon transportation fee, an argument ensued.

The investigation revealed that Dezan retrieved an axe from her van and began repeatedly striking the motorcycle, causing extensive damage. When the victim attempted to intervene and stop the destruction, Dezan allegedly swung the axe toward his head, narrowly missing him.

The victim was able to move his head out of the path of the axe and escaped injury. Police estimate that the motorcycle sustained approximately $2,000 in damage during the attack.

The incident was captured on video and the recording was provided to investigators as evidence.

Dezan was arrested by Rumford Police and charged with the following offenses:

Attempted Elevated Aggravated Assault (Class B Felony)
Aggravated Criminal Mischief (Class C Felony)

Bail was set at $10,000 cash, with conditions requiring Dezan to have no contact with the victim and to stay away from his residence if released.

Dezan was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where she remains pending bail or her initial court appearance.

Rumford Police recognizes and thanks the Oxford County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in this investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing. All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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10/25/2026

RUMFORD POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS FOLLOWING DOUBLE STABBING ON WALDO STREET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE�
October 25, 2026�RUMFORD, MAINE

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 8:48 a.m., Rumford Police responded to 209 Waldo Street, Apartment 1, following a 911 call reporting an assault involving two suspects who had fled the scene on foot. While officers were responding, a second 911 caller reported a stabbing, the sound of breaking glass, and a male yelling that someone was trying to kill him.

Officers from the Rumford Police Department and deputies from the Oxford County Sheriff's Office arrived within minutes and discovered two victims suffering from stab wounds. A 44-year-old male had sustained a knife wound to his back with significant bleeding, while a 37-year-old female had sustained a knife wound to the side of her abdomen. Both victims are from Rumford.

Responding officers immediately provided emergency first aid, including measures to control bleeding, until MedCare Ambulance paramedics arrived and assumed medical care. Both victims were subsequently transported to Rumford Hospital for emergency treatment and are expected to survive their injuries.

SUSPECTS APPREHENDED FOLLOWING FOOT PURSUITS

While officers attended to the victims, other officers obtained descriptions of the suspects and their direction of travel. During a search of the surrounding neighborhood, officers located two individuals matching those descriptions near the 300 block of Waldo Street, just north of the crime scene.

When ordered to stop, both suspects refused and fled in separate directions, prompting foot pursuits by Rumford Police officers and Oxford County Sheriff's deputies.

Several neighborhood residents, aware of the unfolding situation, assisted law enforcement by providing information about the suspects' movements and possible hiding locations.

As a result of these coordinated efforts, officers apprehended the male suspect, identified as Jazya D. Swan, 19, a transient from Lewiston, Maine, on the porch of 325 Cumberland Street as he attempted to flee toward an apartment.

Minutes later, additional information provided by members of the public helped officers locate the second suspect, a 15-year-old female from Lisbon, Maine, hiding inside a utility room on the porch of 313 Waldo Street.

Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Rumford Police Department for processing.

INVESTIGATION AND CRIMINAL CHARGES

Following the arrests, police conducted a search of the apartment at 209 Waldo Street and recovered evidence associated with the assaults.

Preliminary investigative findings indicate that the individuals involved were known to one another and that alcohol and ma*****na may have been contributing factors.

Investigators believe this incident is connected to the shots-fired investigation at the same apartment on October 14, during which Rumford Police, assisted by the Maine State Police Tactical Team, executed a search warrant.

As a result of the investigation, both suspects were arrested and initially charged with the following offenses:

JAZYA D. SWAN, AGE 19 — LEWISTON, MAINE
Elevated Aggravated Assault (Accomplice) — Class B felony
Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon — Class C felony
Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention — Class D misdemeanor.

Swan's bail was set at $20,000 cash. He was transferred to the Oxford County Jail pending bail or arraignment.

15-YEAR-OLD FEMALE — LISBON, MAINE
Elevated Aggravated Assault — Two counts, Class A felony
Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon — Class C felony
Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention — Class D misdemeanor.

The juvenile was transferred to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, where she is being detained pending further juvenile court proceedings.

These charges are preliminary and reflect the initial findings of the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional or amended charges may be forthcoming following further investigative review and consultation with prosecutors as the case is prepared for potential presentation to a grand jury.

POLICE CHIEF ACKNOWLEDGES COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS

"The level of violence associated with these recent incidents is deeply concerning, and we recognize the impact these events have on the residents who live and work in this neighborhood," said Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan. "We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to address violent criminal activity in our community."

"I also want to personally thank the residents who assisted our officers today. Their willingness to step forward and provide timely information made a meaningful difference in helping our officers quickly locate and apprehend both suspects. This is an excellent example of the important role our community plays in helping us keep Rumford safe."

The Rumford Police Department also acknowledges the assistance of the Oxford County Sheriff's Office and MedCare Ambulance personnel, whose coordinated response helped bring a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation under control.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Rumford Police Department.

All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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10/21/2026

JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT
Justice And Accountability Encircle Rumford Fugitive In Westbrook, Maine

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) announces the arrest of Blake Lachance, 21, in Westbrook, Maine, on multiple felony state charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated reckless conduct, and criminal mischief. Lachance was arrested on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at a residence where investigators had located him. He is currently awaiting his initial appearance on the state charges.

On October 14, 2026, the Rumford Police Department issued a shelter-in-place advisory in the area of Maine Avenue and Waldo Street in Rumford following an alleged incident involving Lachance, who was reportedly armed. Authorities had also received several reports of shots fired earlier that day. Lachance left the area before investigators could secure the property.

The Rumford Police Department subsequently requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service-led Maine Violent Offender Task Force in locating and apprehending Lachance. Task force investigators worked collaboratively with the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Task Force, Rumford Police Department, Lewiston Police Department, and Westbrook Police Department. Their investigation developed information indicating that Lachance had fled to a residential neighborhood in Westbrook.

Working in coordination with our law enforcement partners, USMS fugitive investigators requested assistance from the Cumberland County Emergency Services Unit, led by the
Cumberland County Sherriff’s Office and the Southern Maine Regional SWAT team, led by the South Portland Police Department.

On October 20, in Westbrook, members of the emergency services units apprehended Lachance after he attempted to flee the residence on foot. A perimeter team subsequently took him into custody without further incident. Lachance was then turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and transported to a local jail, where he remains pending his initial appearance on the state charges.

“Protecting those who live, work, and visit Rumford from violent criminal activity is a responsibility we take very seriously. As a small municipal police department, our strong partnerships with the U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force are invaluable in confronting violent offenders, fi****ms-related crime, and drug trafficking that often extend well beyond our community,” said Rumford
Police Chief Tony Milligan. “We live and work among the people we are sworn to protect, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our community are held accountable.”

The U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force extends its appreciation to the Cumberland County ESU and Southern Maine Regional SWAT for their tactical assistance in bringing Lachance into custody safely and without further incident.

“This arrest demonstrates the importance of investigative collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work seamlessly across jurisdictions to identify, locate, and apprehend violent offenders who pose a direct threat to our communities,” said David St. Pierre, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. “Joint fugitive investigations such as this one help ensure that individuals accused of violent crimes are brought before the courts and that potential threats to public safety are addressed.”

The U.S. Marshals Service Maine Violent Offender Task Force comprises personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a state or federal fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at [email protected].

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10/14/2026

***CAPTURED***

Photo of suspect BLAKE LACHANCE added - Wanted on felony assault, criminal threatening and reckless conduct charges - see post from earlier this afternoon.

10/14/2026

RUMFORD POLICE AND MAINE STATE POLICE TACTICAL TEAM EXECUTE A WARRANT ON WALDO STREET FOLLOWING REPORTS OF GUNFIRE AND SUSPECTED DRUG TRAFFICKING

**October 14, 2026 – Rumford, Maine** – On Wednesday, October 14, Rumford Police, assisted by the Maine State Police Tactical Team, executed a search warrant at 209 Waldo Street, first-floor front apartment, following an investigation into reports of gunfire and suspected drug trafficking at the residence.

Over the weekend, Rumford Police received information concerning suspected drug trafficking activity involving both local and out-of-town individuals operating from the apartment. During the same period, police began receiving reports from concerned residents that individuals associated with the apartment were armed and had been periodically discharging fi****ms in the surrounding neighborhood.

Early Wednesday morning, before sunrise, Rumford Police responded to another report of gunfire in the area. Officers determined that the individuals believed to be involved had been inside the apartment and were potentially still present. Given the circumstances and the possibility of armed suspects, Rumford Police and Oxford County Sheriff's Office established a perimeter around the residence while investigators prepared applications for search and arrest warrants.

The Maine State Police Tactical Team was requested to assist with securing the area and safely executing the search warrant, which was subsequently authorized by the Court late Wednesday morning.

As officers prepared for the operation, Rumford Public Works assisted by establishing temporary road closures and traffic detours in the surrounding neighborhood. MedCare Ambulance paramedics were also staged nearby as a precaution.

Shortly before 1:00 p.m., the tactical team entered the apartment and determined that the suspects were no longer inside. Investigators believe the individuals had fled the residence several hours earlier, around the time police initially responded to the morning report of gunfire.

The subsequent search of the apartment, along with information developed during the ongoing investigation, has yielded additional evidence supporting the reports received from members of the public.

**Rumford Police are actively seeking BLAKE LACHANCE, age 21, of Lewiston**, who is wanted in connection with the following felony charges:

- **Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon** – Class B felony
- **Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon** – Class B felony
- **Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon** – Class C felony

**LACHANCE should be considered potentially armed and dangerous.** Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. Members of the public should not approach or attempt to confront LACHANCE. A current photo of LACHANCE is not presently available to share with the public.

The investigation remains active, and additional individuals are expected to face criminal charges as investigators continue to develop evidence and identify those involved.

Rumford Police wish to thank the residents who came forward with information, as well as the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Oxford County Sheriff's Office, Rumford Public Works, and MedCare Ambulance for their assistance and cooperation throughout the operation.

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