Accused killer of Maine police officer captured after 4-day manhunt

The shooter who was wanted in connection with killing a Maine deputy has been placed into custody.

Police captured John Williams, 29, after a four-day manhunt, according to CBS affiliate WGME. He is accused of fatally shooting Corporal Eugene Cole, 62, of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

The killing occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday about 30 miles north of Augusta. Williams allegedly stole Cole’s vehicle after the murder then robbed a convenience store. Police found the cruiser around 5 a.m.

Details of the capture have not been made public, but police have confirmed Williams is in custody. Cole’s widow had pleaded with Williams during a press briefing to turn himself in and on Thursday the FBI issued a reward of $20,000 for information leading to Williams’ capture.

About 150 police officers were searching an area in a section of the woods where Williams was believed to have been hiding but it wasn’t clear whether he was found there.

Williams also was arrested in March for carrying a gun without a license.

Cole worked with the sheriff’s office for 13 years and had a son. His death marks the first time a Maine officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty in 29 years.

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