North Windham, ME — A tense day in North Windham ended in tragedy Friday evening when James Ford, the man suspected in a deadly shooting earlier in the day, died from a self-inflicted injury after an hours-long manhunt that gripped the community.
A Morning of Violence
Authorities say the incident began around 9:15 a.m., when officers responded to reports of gunfire near a residential area on River Road. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots, prompting police to issue an immediate shelter-in-place order for surrounding neighborhoods.
At least one victim was injured during the shooting. Officials have not yet released the victim’s name or condition, pending notification of family members.
Massive Police Response
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police, and multiple SWAT units quickly mobilized. Roads were blocked, businesses closed, and schools in the area went into lockdown as law enforcement tracked Ford’s movements.
Local residents reported seeing officers going door-to-door and using drones and K9 units to comb wooded areas. “It felt like the entire town froze,” said one resident. “We were told to stay inside, lock our doors, and not open them for anyone but police.”
Manhunt Ends in Self-Inflicted Death
Just before 5:00 p.m., police located Ford in a wooded area off Windham Center Road. According to Maine State Police, as officers closed in, Ford suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe Ford acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Community Shaken
North Windham residents expressed both relief and sorrow following the end of the lockdown. Many said they were thankful no further lives were lost but heartbroken by the violence that unfolded in their usually quiet town.
“This is something we see on the news in other places, not here,” said a local business owner. “It’s going to take a while for people to feel safe again.”
Investigation Continues
The Maine Attorney General’s Office will oversee the investigation into the events leading up to Ford’s death, while detectives continue to piece together the motive behind the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage from the area during the incident to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.