What began as an investigation into suspected drug trafficking and reports of gunfire at an apartment in Rumford Wednesday afternoon resulted in a statewide search for an individual from Lewiston who authorities say could be armed and dangerous.

How did it all begin?

The Rumford Police Department says they started their investigation after receiving tips this past weekend of suspected drug trafficking and weapons being discharged in the area of 209 Waldo Street in Rumford.

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They were told that both individuals who lived in town and some who did not reside in the area were believed to be involved in this activity. After receiving a search warrant and upon getting another report of gunfire in the area, officers arrived in that neighborhood early Wednesday morning, before dawn.

What happened next?

Things became intense when it was thought that the suspects allegedly involved in the illicit activities might still be armed and inside the first-floor apartment. As a precaution, the Rumford PD, the Oxford County Sheriff's Office, and the Maine State Police Tactical Team worked together to establish a safe perimeter around the building.

About noon, the Rumford Police issued a 'Shelter In Place' order for folks living in the area, asking them to remain inside while they "dealt with an incident."

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Once the court gave the go-ahead, late Wednesday morning, authorities closed off the roads to the area and staged first responders nearby, in case the exchange with the suspects became violent.

What was the result?

At 1:20 PM, the Rumford Police Department said authorities lifted the order after determining the suspects were no longer in the building and had fled the area earlier. In its place, law enforcement is asking people to keep a lookout for one individual in particular.

Wanted: Blake Lachance, Rumford Police Department via Facebook

"The subsequent search of the apartment, along with information developed during the ongoing investigation, has yielded additional evidence supporting the reports received from members of the public...Rumford Police are actively seeking BLAKE LACHANCE, age 21, of Lewiston, who is wanted in connection with the following felony charges: [Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon, and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon]...LACHANCE should be considered potentially armed and dangerous."

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The Rumford PD says anyone who sees Lachance should avoid contact and call the police immediately.