The subject of a nationwide manhunt for the murder of a deputy sheriff in northern Maine earlier today was due in Haverhill District Court this morning for a probable cause hearing on weapons and ammunition charges, authorities told the Herald.

Fugitive John Williams, 29, of Madison, Maine, was free on $5,000 cash bail when he allegedly shot and killed Somerset County Sheriff Cpl. Eugene Cole this morning in the small town of Norridgewock, Maine, 65 miles west of Bangor.

Williams then stole Cole's fully marked cruiser and drove it to a Cumberland Farms in Norridgewock to commit theft before abandoning the cruiser on Martin Stream Road, according to Maine State Police.

“We have lost an outstanding deputy today who has served with great distinction for the last 13 years,” Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said in a press conference this morning reported by the Bangor Daily News. “He was one of the finest deputies you would want to meet.”

Troopers believe Cole was slain between 1 and 2 a.m.

"The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous," said police, who released a photo of Williams.

Williams was arrested March 22 on weapons charge by Massachusetts State Police after he allegedly drove a car into a ditch off Interstate 495 in Haverhill.

Carrie Kimball-Monahan, spokeswoman for Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, said Williams pleaded not guilty in Haverhill District Court in Newburyport that same day to charges of improper storage of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, unattended ammunition, possession of a large-capacity firearm, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation.

"The state requested $10,000 cash bail. The judge imposed $7,500," she said. "On March 27, Mr. Williams exercised his right to a bail review in (Salem) Superior Court, at which Judge Timothy Feeley reduced his bail to $5,000. He was expected in court today for a probable cause hearing." He posted bail on March 31, records show.

A manhunt is underway for John Williams who is accused of killing Cpl. Cole of the Somerset County Sheriff's Department in Maine. He is considered armed and dangerous. He's approx. 5'6', and 120 lbs. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 207-624-7076. pic.twitter.com/Q9vJlGqAIY — FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) April 25, 2018

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Williams is described as 5 feet, 6 inches, 120 pounds, with brown hair shaved on the sides of his head. He has been sporting a ponytail and has blue eyes, police said.

"Presently, a manhunt is underway. We have issued a nationwide alert," Maine State Police said. "At this time, there is no vehicle associated with Williams. This is an active and fluid investigation."

UPDATE: Massachusetts State Police Troopers Randy Morales and C.P. Ryan came upon Williams' crash on Route 495 in Haverhill at 3:50 a.m. on March 22, according to the arrest report.

The troopers noted Williams and a 32-year-old woman were moving around a wrecked vehicle with a Maine license plate "in a frantic manner."

Williams told the troopers he'd fallen asleep at the wheel. They said he "showed signs of possible impairment. He displayed droopy eyelids, slow, slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes," but denied using drugs or alcohol.

A pat frisk, however, turned up "several plastic cellophane bags with white and tan powder residue," as well as a pocket knife, police said.

Inside the vehicle's trunk, police said they discovered a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun and a 16-round 9mm magazine loaded with 10 rounds. One additional round was contained in a half-zippered pouch.

Williams told police he was able to legally carry the firearm in Maine, but did not have a license to carry or FID card in Massachusetts.

From the car's passenger compartment, police said they seized "several more plastic bags with white powder residue" and a razor blade.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of fallen Deputy Sheriff Corporal Eugene Cole. If you live in Somerset County and the surrounding area, please cooperate with law enforcement and stay safe. — Paul R. LePage (@Governor_LePage) April 25, 2018

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