An 18-year-old Lewiston man is accused of shooting two people in the face Wednesday night in Lewiston with what police believe was a high-powered pellet gun.

The two victims were expected to undergo surgery at a Portland hospital to remove projectiles from their face and neck, Lt. Derrick St. Laurent wrote in a release for the police department.

Ahmed Yussuf was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of reckless conduct. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn, St. Laurent wrote.

Just past 11 p.m. Lewiston police were notified of a 60-year-old man shot in the face in the area of Oak and Holland streets.

Upon arrival, officers found the man suffering from an apparent facial injury. The man reported he had been walking when a black or dark blue SUV pulled alongside him, according to St. Laurent.

Several occupants inside the vehicle were yelling at him. The victim turned toward the SUV and observed a passenger point what appeared to be a firearm in his direction. He then heard a pop, felt immediate pain, and realized he was bleeding from his face. The SUV fled the area immediately after the shooting.

About 10 minutes later at 11:14 p.m., while officers were still rendering aid to the victim, police received a report that a 34-year-old woman had been shot in the face near Walnut and Bartlett streets. Officers found her suffering from a similar facial injury.

Both victims were taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for treatment, St. Laurent wrote. Due to the severity of their injuries, both victims were later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to St. Laurent.

The man is listed in stable condition and the woman remains in serious condition.

Using the city’s camera system and FLOCK technology, investigators quickly identified the suspect vehicle, according to Laurent.

Based on the victims’ injuries and a preliminary assessment by medical staff and investigators, it is believed the weapon used was a high-powered pellet gun.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Lewiston Police Department.

“The Lewiston Police Department would like to thank the District Attorney’s Office for its assistance and collaboration throughout the early morning hours of this investigation,” St. Laurent wrote. “Their responsiveness and support were instrumental in bringing this case to a swift conclusion.”

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline thanked the department for its quick response and said his thoughts were with the victims. The city is increasing patrols, he said, and anyone with information on an ongoing investigation should call the department or use the anonymous tip line at 207-513-3194.

“I can assure the residents of Lewiston that city staff, the Police Department, and elected officials remain fully committed to addressing and combating the crime that has recently gripped our city,” he said.

“Let us remember that we are not each other’s adversaries. Our challenge is violence, and our greatest strength is our willingness to stand together in confronting it, he said. “Lasting progress will require all of us, working together with a shared sense of purpose to build a safer Lewiston.”