MEXICO — Police late Sunday were on the scene of a standoff at the intersection of Routes 2 and 17.

They reportedly had surrounded a man who was suspected of stealing a pickup truck and fired shots earlier Sunday.

The standoff near the Circle K convenience store on Route 2 went on for hours.

The incident began in the afternoon when a vehicle was reported stolen and a chase ensued, Maine State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland said.

“Shots had been fired early on” in the incident, McCausland said. He could not confirm whether the suspect had been injured, or by whom.

Officers from Rumford, Mexico, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police were at the scene, according to McCausland. He said negotiators had been called in to attempt to resolve the standoff.

One witness said he heard 10 gunshots. That could not immediately be confirmed.

Several police cars were on the scene, including at least three Maine State Police vehicles. There were also fire engines standing by.

Authorities would not allow spectators to get near the standoff scene and warned people to stay back. Bystanders were not allowed to get closer than the Dick’s Restaurant parking lot.

Firefighters reportedly were on the scene because the suspect had rammed gas pumps at the Circle K at the beginning of the standoff.

People in nearby apartment houses were being told to stay inside.

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