Corporal Eugene Cole, 62, was shot and killed in the line of duty by a suspect who stole his cruiser in Norridgewock, Maine. Cole served for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years and has a son who is with the department. John Williams, 29, is the person of interest and a manhunt is underway.
The suspect, 29-year-old John Williams, is still at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Williams is 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blue eyes, 120 pounds and brown hair. Massachusetts State Police say Williams was arrested on weapons charges last month. He was previously facing charges including possessing a firearm and ammunition without a license and possessing a large capacity feeding device.
According to authorities, Williams stole Corporal Cole’s cruiser and drove to Cumberland Farms at a Cumberland Farms on Waterville Road in Norridgewock around 1:45 a.m. After robbing Cumberland Farms, police say Cole’s cruiser was later found abandoned and believe Williams ran away on foot.
FBI agents were on the scene to assist in the manhunt. In addition, Police ordered Mill Stream Elementary in Norridgewock to close as a precaution.
Paul LePage, the Governor of Maine, released the following statement:
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of fallen Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole. If you live in Somerset County and the surrounding area, please cooperate with law enforcement and stay safe.”
During a press conference, a spokesman for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office described Cole as an “outstanding employee” and “one of the finest deputies you’d ever want to meet.”
Police are asking anyone who sees Williams not to approach him but to call 911 immediately. Norridgewock is a town in Somerset County, Maine, United States, with an estimated population of 3,367.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cole’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.
