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RUMFORD — Police are actively seeking a Lewiston man wanted in connection with shots fired and suspected drug trafficking following an investigation Wednesday on Waldo Street.

A shelter-in-place order issued around 12:15 p.m. was lifted about an hour later.

Police say Blake LaChance, 21, should be considered potentially armed and dangerous, and members of the public should not approach or attempt to confront LaChance, according to an Oct. 14 statement from Chief Tony Milligan.

Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.

Milligan said LaChance is wanted on charges, including aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Following an investigation into reports of gunfire and suspected drug trafficking at a first-floor apartment at 209 Waldo St., Rumford police, assisted by the Maine State Police Tactical Team, executed a search warrant Wednesday.

Rumford police received information last weekend concerning suspected drug trafficking involving local and out-of-town individuals operating from the apartment, officials said. During the same period, police began receiving reports from concerned residents that individuals associated with the apartment were armed and had been periodically discharging firearms in the surrounding neighborhood.

Before sunrise Wednesday, Rumford police responded to another report of gunfire in the area. Officers determined that the individuals believed to be involved had been inside the apartment and were potentially still there.

Rumford police, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police Tactical Team coordinated on executing search warrants at the property. Rumford Public Works established temporary road closures and traffic detours in the surrounding neighborhood.

Shortly before 1 p.m., the tactical team entered the apartment and determined that the suspects were no longer inside. Investigators believe the individuals had fled the residence several hours earlier, around the time police initially responded to the morning report of gunfire. According to police, the search of the apartment and information gained during the investigation resulted in additional evidence.

Milligan said the investigation remains active and additional individuals are expected to face criminal charges.

The LeParesseux Snowshoe Cub at 227 Waldo St., which had been preparing a pulled pork and rib dinner for the Greater Rumford Senior Citizens, was evacuated during the incident on Waldo Street and the meal was moved to the Senior Citizens center at 60 Lowell St.