RUMFORD — A Rumford man has been taken into custody following an active shooter event Tuesday night that led to a house fire and a multi-agency law enforcement response.
The Oxford County Regional Communications Center received initial 911 calls around 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, reporting gunshots near Billy Morvent’s home at 76 State Route 232 in Rumford Corner Village.
Soon after, Morvent was said to have crashed his pickup into the Thurston residence at Jades Homegrown Farms, located at 61 State Route 232, and fired a rifle at individuals and the property.
A nearby Rumford Police officer, handling a traffic stop, verified hearing multiple shots, triggering a quick reaction from various agencies including Oxford and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices, Maine State Police, Paris, Norway, and Wilton Police departments, and the Maine Warden Service.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered Morvent had fled on foot, while three people were hiding in a ditch to evade the shooter.
Meanwhile, the Thurston residence was ablaze.
Firefighters, with protection from law enforcement, managed to extinguish the fire, while police and drones with thermal imaging searched for Morvent and ensured the safety of residents.
The local community was advised to shelter in place via social media and alerts from the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s IPAWS system.
After extensive searches, Morvent was located back at his residence, and by 1 a.m., the Maine State Police Tactical Team had peacefully negotiated his surrender.
Rumford Police seized multiple firearms and ammunition from his home, including the AR-style rifle used in the incident.
Morvent, 59, faces charges including felony Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Conduct, and felony Aggravated Criminal Mischief.
He was treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound and remains in stable condition at Maine Medical Center in Portland, under police guard.
No other injuries have been reported, despite the gunfire and fire.
The investigation, led by Rumford Police in collaboration with the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, continues, and additional charges are anticipated.
