A Maine man is facing a cluster of severe charges after allegedly igniting an "active shooter" crisis in the Rumford Corner Village area earlier this month, according to authorities. Billy Morvent, 59, has been charged with three counts of aggravated attempted murder, one count of arson, three counts of criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, and one count of aggravated criminal mischief, as per the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Officials outline a harrowing sequence of events occurring on November 5: gunfire was reported around 8 p.m., originating from Morvent's Route 232 residence. What unfolded next was described as a rampage, where Morvent reportedly crashed his vehicle into another home and fired a rifle at individuals and the structure, igniting it later, as stated by NBC Boston. In the ensuing fear, three individuals took shelter in a ditch while the Rumford neighborhood was directed to hunker down in place.
The situation escalated with Morvent fleeing into the area, prolonging an extensive search that ended when he was discovered around 1 a.m. with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan mentioned earlier this month that negotiators were instrumental in convincing Morvent to surrender peacefully. Law enforcement swarmed the location, establishing a large presence until the situation reached an eventual resolution.
Following his surrender, Morvent was initially taken to Rumford Hospital before being transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland to treat his life-threatening injuries, as reported by Bangor Daily News. No other injuries apart from Morvent's were reported, despite the severe nature and potential for greater harm during the incident. Later authorities discovered several firearms at his residence, including an AR-style rifle and an ample supply of ammunition.
