August 15, 2025 — Authorities have confirmed that James Ford, the suspected gunman in Friday’s North Windham shooting, died from a self-inflicted injury following an extensive manhunt and community lockdown.

Windham Police and Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies responded just before 2 p.m. to reports of a shooting on Route 302 in North Windham. One individual was shot, and Ford fled the scene in a silver vehicle toward Raymond. Police later located what they believe to be Ford’s vehicle in a Dunkin’ parking lot in Raymond, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place warning for areas from Route 85 in Raymond to Whites Bridge Road in Windham. Numerous businesses in North Windham went into lockdown during the search.

Gray Fire Rescue reported in the evening that the suspect had been found, allowing the shelter-in-place order in Gray to be lifted. Route 302 reopened around 6:30 p.m., though some restrictions in parts of North Windham and Raymond remained as officers continued to secure the area.

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce confirmed that Ford was located deceased from a self-inflicted injury and stated there was no further threat to the public. Authorities explained that the initial uncertainty of the suspect’s movements necessitated the precautionary shelter-in-place order.

An emergency alert sent through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) was mistakenly issued statewide due to a technical error, MEMA clarified.

The name of the shooting victim has not been released, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials emphasize the investigation is ongoing and are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the case.