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Police continue search for man accused of hiding in Gorham woods, threatening law enforcement

The University of Southern Maine went into a "shelter-in-place" Sunday night during the incident, but it has since been lifted.

GORHAM, Maine — Police continue to search for a man who reportedly threatened to shoot law enforcement Sunday evening. 

Ryan Ramsey, 31, of Portland may be armed and dangerous, Gorham police said Monday in a news release. 

Police responded to a wooded area behind the University of Southern Maine campus in Gorham at about 7:20 p.m. Sunday after a man reportedly called the Cumberland County Regional Communications Center and stated he had a gun.

"A perimeter was immediately established around the entire area to attempt to contain him to this area if he was actually still there for the public’s safety," the release said. "A tactical K-9 search was conducted of the area, which did not produce the suspect."

Ramsey is described as being 5 feet and 9 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He also has a shaved head, brown eyes, and a Christian cross tattoo on the inside of his left forearm, according to police. He was last seen wearing all-black clothing and a camouflage hat. 

"The subject is not rational and advised he was on several types of illicit drugs and was heavily intoxicated as well," a previous release stated. "He should not be approached, as he also stated he was suicidal."

Sgt. Ted Hatch with Gorham police told NEWS CENTER Maine there is no threat to the general public, as the man has a specific target.

Police advise anyone who sees a man matching the above description to not engage with him and contact the Gorham Police Department immediately at 207-893-2810.

The University of Southern Maine went into a "shelter-in-place" Sunday night during the incident, but it has since been lifted.

The incident remains under investigation. 

As of Tuesday, Gorham police told NEWS CENTER Maine they believe Ramsey may have left town. 

Local residents and businesses have expressed concern about the search. 

"Gorham is a very safe town, and we never have this sort of happening very often here, so it's a bit of a surprise, but we were on alert," Erin Flett, owner of Erin Flett Bags, said. "I would say my staff is on alert, but we want to just be cautious." 

Eden Everett, an employee at Amato's in Gorham who is also a student at USM, said they haven't received much information from Gorham or campus police. 

"We got three emails the night of [the shelter in place], continued lockdown, and cancellation of lockdown at 3 a.m., but other than that, I haven't seen any police," Everett said. 

According to police, Gorham residents should continue to expect seeing a heavy police patrol in the downtown area. 

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