NORRIDGEWOCK, Maine — The FBI has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of John Williams, the man suspected of killing a deputy in Maine and stealing his cruiser.
The reward was announced at 5 p.m. Thursday, more than 24 hours after the alleged murder of Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole Wednesday morning.
Along with announcing the reward, the FBI also released new photos of Williams, including an image that shows tattoos on his chest and stomach.
The #FBI, Somerset County Sheriff's Office & @MEStatePolice are offering a $20K reward for information leading to the arrest of John D. Williams. He is considered armed & dangerous. Anyone with information should call 207-624-7076 or email https://t.co/48YS0b0hkh pic.twitter.com/9ah2W2XUM7
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) April 26, 2018
Schools were opened but locked down in parts of Maine Thursday as police and the FBI searched for Williams.
The fatal shooting of Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. Route 2 in Norridgewock triggered an intensive manhunt for the shooter in and around the heavily wooded rural community about 60 miles west of Bangor.
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BREAKING: Maine State Police say it’s all hands on deck right now searching for suspect who shot deputy. Suspect is John Williams of Madison. It is an active manhunt say everyone should be extremely careful. He is considered to be on foot and heavily armed @WGME pic.twitter.com/dZD0rBEBCY
— Lexie O'Connor (@LexieWGME) April 25, 2018
NEW IMAGES OF SUSPECT wanted for murder of Sheriff's Deputy in Maine. pic.twitter.com/oXy74QcDOh
— Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) April 25, 2018
Law enforcement officials vowed to maintain a heavy presence overnight and urged residents to remain vigilant as the search continued for 29-year-old John Williams, of Madison, Maine.
"Many times we're able to say that there is not an ongoing threat, but that's not the case today," State Police Lt. Col. John Cote said. "There certainly is an ongoing public threat. He's considered armed and dangerous."
Cole's death is believed to be the first killing of a law enforcement officer in Maine in nearly 30 years. The last time someone killed an officer in the line of duty was in 1989, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Helicopters, armored vehicles and numerous police cruisers were spotted around Norridgewock, and schools were locked down as federal, state and local law enforcement poured into the region to look for Williams.
Police said Williams is 5-foot-6, 120 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair in a ponytail.
A manhunt is underway for John Williams who is accused of killing Cpl. Cole of the Somerset County Sheriff's Department in Maine. He is considered armed and dangerous. He's approx. 5'6', and 120 lbs. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 207-624-7076. pic.twitter.com/Q9vJlGqAIY
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) April 25, 2018
Law enforcement officials said he had arrest records in Maine, Tennessee and Massachusetts. In Tennessee, he faced drug and drug-related charges dating as far back as 2008 and was revived from an overdose at least once, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Last month, Williams was arrested in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and charged with improper storage and carrying a firearm without a license. He was found with a 9mm handgun and a 16-round magazine after he told the police that he dozed off and drove into a ditch.
An officer wrote in the report that Williams appeared tired and impaired, but denied having consumed any alcohol or illegal drugs.
The state requested $10,000 cash bail for Williams, and a judge initially set it at $7,500. After two court appearances it was reduced to $5,000.
Williams posted bail on March 31 and was due to return to court on Wednesday for a probable cause hearing.
NEW IMAGES OF SUSPECT wanted for murder of Sheriff's Deputy in Maine. pic.twitter.com/oXy74QcDOh
— Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) April 25, 2018
That image contrasts with Williams' days at Skowhegan High School, where a yearbook showed he once served as a class officer. "When in school he was a nice, funny and an all-around good guy," said classmate Casey Sprout-Costa.
Residents in Norridgewock, a town of about 3,500, were stunned Wednesday as state police and federal agents investigated a blue-grey home believed to be where Williams lived with his girlfriend. Overhead, a helicopter buzzed low over trees.
"We're a little on edge. It's unnerving knowing there's a guy running around out there," said Tasha Raymond, who was home with her two children.
Gov. Paul LePage expressed his "deepest condolences" to Cole's family in a tweet. "If you live in Somerset County and the surrounding area, please cooperate with law enforcement and stay safe," the Republican governor said. LePage also directed all U.S and state flags to be flown at half-staff for at least three days.
Cole has a son who also is a Somerset County deputy. Sheriff Dale Lancaster called Cole, a 13-year veteran of the department, an "outstanding employee, one of the finest deputies."
A relative described Cole as a lover of music who was well-known throughout the community for his generous and peaceful ways.
"He was one of the most caring and considerate people that I had the pleasure to know," said Madison resident Scott Bishop, whose mother had been married to Cole's brother.
Our thoughts 🙏🏼 go out this morning to the #SomersetCounty Sheriff’s Department in Maine, and to the family & friends of Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole, after he was killed early this morning. ⚫️🔵⚫️ #lodd
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) April 25, 2018
WATCH LIVEOfficials in Norridgewock, Maine addressing search for man accused of killing sheriff's deputy.
Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, April 27, 2018
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