Windham, Maine — Investigators released new information regarding a tragic shooting that took place Friday afternoon on Route 302, culminating in a shelter-in-place order for local residents. The incident has raised significant concern and remains under investigation.
Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 1:55 p.m. after witnesses reported a motorcyclist had been shot at the intersection of Roosevelt Trail and Landing Road. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the victim was approached by a silver sedan, from which multiple shots were fired at him.
Efforts to revive the motorcyclist, identified as 33-year-old Erin Hayne from Casco, were initiated by bystanders, including a nearby Maine Game Warden. Despite these efforts, Hayne was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.
Witnesses in a U-Haul truck pursued the suspect’s vehicle, providing the police with its license plate before losing sight of it near the town line between Raymond and Windham. This information proved critical, as deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office located the abandoned vehicle behind a Dunkin’ on Route 302 a short time later.
The investigation led authorities to employ a tactical team and K9 units to locate the alleged shooter. They eventually found the body of 48-year-old James Ford of Windham, who was identified as the suspect. Evidence indicates Ford had left his apartment shortly before the shooting, and initial findings reveal no prior connection with Hayne.
Route 302 was closed for about six hours as detectives collected evidence and secured the scene. Police issued a public alert urging residents in the vicinity to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity. The alert was lifted after authorities confirmed the suspect had been located, alleviating immediate safety concerns.
Preliminary autopsy results indicated that Hayne died from multiple gunshot wounds, leading to a homicide ruling. Ford’s death was attributed to a single gunshot wound and has been categorized as a suicide. These findings have added complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Law enforcement continues to seek additional information related to the case, specifically from anyone who may have been in the area or traveling on Route 302 at the time of the incident. Police are also requesting any available video footage that could assist in their inquiries. The investigation is ongoing as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.