Report of shots fired at Ogunquit Inn, housing 20 non-citizens on “scholar” visas, leads to seizure of three firearms

Police seized three firearms from an Ogunquit guest house that was hosting 20 non-citizens on “scholar” visas after a report of shots fired led to an hours-long closure of a portion of Route 1, according to Ogunquit police.

According to police, the Wells Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of shots fired at the Hideaway Inn at 67 Main St. in Ogunquit around 3:50 a.m. Monday.

Officers from the Ogunquit, Wells and York police departments responded to the scene and upon arrival encountered a group of people outside who fled inside the inn when they saw police, police said.

Police said attempts to communicate with people at the inn were unsuccessful and there was no response to phone calls or commands from officers on scene – prompting police to request assistance from the Southern Maine Response Team.

As a precautionary measure, police issued an advisory asking residents to avoid the area and lock their doors while authorities investigated the reported gunshots.

Ogunquit Police Chief John Lizanecz told WMTW that responding officers encountered “cultural barriers” because the Hideaway Inn served as a dormitory and housed about 20 J-1 visa holders.

“This was a party that happened last night,” Lizanecz told WMTW. “We found remains of fireworks outside and everyone involved has been relatively cooperative.”

The J-1 visa classification refers to noncitizen “exchange visitors” who are in the United States for an approved program, such as teaching, studying, conducting research, or participating in training.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the designation can include non-citizen “professors or scholars,” research assistants, students, au pairs, camp counselors, and more.

At around 11 a.m. Monday, Ogunquit police released an update saying the incident had been resolved and that Rt. 1 had fully reopened.

However, the incident caused Ogunquit City Hall to remain closed all day as it was being used by police and “to assist those displaced,” the department said in a Facebook post.

In another news release issued later Monday afternoon, Ogunquit police said officers on scene were eventually able to make contact with the individuals at the inn, leading to a “peaceful resolution.”

As a result of the investigation, police seized two handguns and a rifle, as well as shell casings from the property of the Hideaway Inn.

Police said there were no injuries in connection with the incident.

“The Ogunquit Police Department would like to assure the public that there is no ongoing threat associated with this incident,” they said. “However, the matter is still under investigation.”

No arrests have been announced in connection with the incident.