Hunting halted in portions of central Maine towns while manhunt continues
Some of the 200 officers from county, state, municipal and federal agencies at the April 26 briefing get their assignments while in the command post, at the Norridgewock Fire Station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
The area off limits to hunting while police search for a suspect. (Image courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Lt. Mark Brooks, commanding officer of Troop C (Skowhegan) gives officers an update on the April 26 events with Lt. Col. John Cote and Somerset Sheriff Dale Lancaster in the background, among others. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Officers from the state, county, municipal and federal ranks inside the command post, at the Norridgewock Fire Station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Lt. Brooks, Sheriff Lancaster, Lt. Col Cote and Penobscot Sheriff Troy Morton at the command post, inside the fire station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Suspect at the counter. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Suspect at the counter. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
John Williams, of Madison, is wanted in connection with the death of a Somerset County Sheriff’s Deputy. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Some of the 200 officers from county, state, municipal and federal agencies at the April 26 briefing get their assignments while in the command post, at the Norridgewock Fire Station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
The area off limits to hunting while police search for a suspect. (Image courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Lt. Mark Brooks, commanding officer of Troop C (Skowhegan) gives officers an update on the April 26 events with Lt. Col. John Cote and Somerset Sheriff Dale Lancaster in the background, among others. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Officers from the state, county, municipal and federal ranks inside the command post, at the Norridgewock Fire Station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Lt. Brooks, Sheriff Lancaster, Lt. Col Cote and Penobscot Sheriff Troy Morton at the command post, inside the fire station. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Suspect at the counter. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
Suspect at the counter. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
John Williams, of Madison, is wanted in connection with the death of a Somerset County Sheriff’s Deputy. (Photo courtesy Maine Office of Public Safety)
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued an Emergency Proclamation that suspends all hunting, including the start of turkey season, in the portions of Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Fairfield where the manhunt continues for the fugitive, John Williams, 29, of Madison, whom police are seeking in connection with the shooting death of Somerset County Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole earlier this week.
“I am using my executive authority to ensure the safety of the public and our law enforcement officers,” said Governor LePage, April 27. “We are heartbroken yet determined to find the fugitive and bring him to justice as swiftly as possible. I thank our law enforcement officers and those from the federal government and surrounding states for their hard work in difficult conditions over the past several days.”
“Residents of Somerset County have been on high alert for suspicious activity and are advised to call 9-1-1 if they see anything that could help locate the suspect John Williams. I ask all Mainers for your continued cooperation and patience during this difficult time,” the Governor continued.
The proclamation suspends until further notice all hunting to include youth wild-turkey hunting day on Saturday April 28, and regular wild-turkey season, which begins Monday April 30. The attached map defines the area where hunting is suspended in portions of Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Fairfield.
Considering the ongoing manhunt in that area, a heavy police presence remains and will continue until the suspect is apprehended. The activities associated with hunting may trigger residents to report suspicious activity and cause an unnecessary police response.
Somerset County Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole was killed in the line of duty in Norridgewock and the suspect, John Williams, 29, of Madison, remains at large, according to the Maine Dept. of Public Safety at 2:25 p.m.
“Anyone seeing Williams should call 911 immediately,” police said. “He is armed and dangerous.”
Governor Paul R. LePage has directed that all United States flags and State of Maine flags shall be flown at half-staff immediately for at least three days, as well as on the day of Corporal Cole's interment.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the family of fallen Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole," said Governor LePage. "He served his community with honor, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are also with all of Maine's law enforcement community as they mourn the loss of their colleague, and we pray for their continued safety."
The photos attached are from the Deputy's cruiser at the Norridgewock Cumberland Farms, following the shooting. The bearded mug is from his arrest in Massachusetts on March 22.
Earlier reports that his head was shaved with a pony on top area NOT correct. Police believe he still looks like the attached photos with a full beard.
The U.S. and State of Maine flags continue to fly at half staff through sunset today, Friday, April 27, in memory of Corporal Cole, returning to full staff on Saturday. Both flags will again be lowered on the day of his funeral.
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