AUBURN — A man wearing a mask and carrying a rifle was temporarily detained by police Tuesday morning after calls from concerned citizens.

According to Police Chief Phil Crowell, a man was seen walking on the Longley Memorial Bridge, causing concern from people driving and walking by. 

“Officers took precautions, had him lay down on the ground to search the weapon, and then he was let go,” Crowell said.

Maine is an open carry state, so (it) is legal, but what is he doing, wearing a mask when its 80 degrees out?” Crowell added.

Crowell said it is unclear why he was wearing a mask while carrying his rifle, but with the recent violence against police officers, it did worry a large number of people.