Explosions and gunfire rock Maine city as cops shoot gunman dead after hours-long manhunt

Gunfire and explosions erupted in a central Maine city in the wee hours Saturday morning, leading to a wild shootout between a gunman and cops that ended with the perpetrator dead.A woman in Auburn, Maine, called 911 at 12:57 a.m.with a report that her significant other was tussling with a gunman — later identified as Leein Hinkley, 43 — trying to break into their home, Deputy Chief Timothy A.

Cougle of the Auburn Police Department said at a press conference Saturday afternoon.While she was on the phone, gunshots were heard in the background and by the time cops arrived, she had escaped, but her home was on fire, Cougle said.Hinkley fired at cops as they arrived and yelled at them from inside the woman’s home.

A few minutes later, he shot at the police again, Cougle said.At around 1:30, police discovered the blaze had spread to a home next door.

Both houses were destroyed, officials said.The gunman then fled, hiding in a neighboring garage before making his way to the rooftop of another home.At 5:36 a.m., police shot and killed Hinkley as he waved his gun, according to Col.William Ross of the Maine State Police.Hinkley had a criminal history, Ross said.

He was out on bail since June 12, after he was held on an probation violation involving a 2011 conviction for domestic violence, elevated aggravated assault, as well as a recent domestic violence arrest.Homes in the immediate area were evacuated and Central Maine Power shut down electricity.Authorities temporarily issued a shelter-in-place order for the community during the melee.Police are looking for the man who was the victim of the robbery.

One cop was treated for minor injuries and released.Cougle said “many questions remain unanswered” and the investigation is just beginning.

The Maine Attorney General’s office will also investigate the use of deadly force.The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the fires, Newscenter Maine reported.“It’s been an intense and tragic morning here ...