GARDINER — A man is wanted for police questioning in connection with the shooting Saturday night of his girlfriend at her Costello Road residence.
The woman, who was not identified by police but was said to be in her mid-30s, was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston by Lifeflight helicopter after being treated by responders from Gardiner Fire and Rescue, according to Chief James Toman of the Gardiner Police Department.
Toman would not identify the man wanted for questioning or provide a description of him, saying only that the man is from the Wiscasset area and police believe he witnessed the shooting, which involved a handgun.
Toman would not describe the man as a suspect, saying only that police want to question him.
“I don’t believe there’s any threat to the public,” Toman said. “This is not a random act of violence.”
He said the man isn’t being cooperative with the police investigation and authorities on Sunday were actively looking for him.
“We want to talk to him. I’m sure he can provide us with information that is missing,” Toman said.
Toman said the man either lived with the woman or was a frequent visitor at the residence.
Gardiner police received a call at 6:07 p.m. Saturday that someone had been shot, according to Toman. The woman was conscious when police and rescue personnel arrived. Toman said he thinks the woman underwent surgery at the Lewiston hospital Saturday night and was expected to stay there for a few days.
Toman said it’s still too early to say how the gunshot wound was inflicted. Gardiner police are investigating the shooting along with the Maine State Police major crimes unit, Toman said.
Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said Gardiner is taking the lead on the investigation. He said the victim is expected to survive her wound.
Paul Koenig — 207-621-5663pkoenig@centralmaine.comTwitter: @paul_koenig
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