Raymond, NH: A man who was on the run after allegedly shooting and injuring a New Hampshire police officer, was killed after getting into a gunfight with police.
Police were called to a disturbance in Raymond, NH, around 1:30 pm Saturday over reports of a man shooting at relatives inside their home.
When police arrived at the residence, the man, later identified as Matthew J. Masse, 38, turned his rifle towards the officers from a second floor window and began shooting, hitting one of the officers in the leg.
The suspect then fled the scene on foot and a manhunt was underway.
The injured police officer was immediately taken to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition. He is expected to survive.
Notifications then went out to all area residents with a “shelter in place” instructions and that a man who is armed and dangerous is on foot carrying a long gun, prompting a massive law enforcement response.
Some residents felt extremely uncomfortable with the notification due to a lack of details.
"It was frustrating because we didn't know what was going on," said local resident Melissa Shaw. "We weren't kind of, you know, I mean, given any kind of information until, after, you know, it's like, 'Oh, wow. OK. Shutting down the road. I can't get home.'"
During the hours-long manhunt, members of the New Hampshire State Police caught up with Masse in a wooded area near the initial incident. As responding officers attempted to apprehend Masse, an exchange of gunfire took place and Masse was shot and later pronounced dead.
“The suspect fired at law enforcement, and law enforcement returned fire. The suspect was struck by that gunfire and has been confirmed deceased,” Col. Mark Hall of the New Hampshire State Police said in a press conference.
No other officer injuries were reported.
Members of Masse’s family spoke with local media and said that he suffered from severe mental health issues. Prior to the initial shooting involving the injured police officer, family members went to Masse’s home to check up on him. That is when it was reported that Masse began firing at family members, none of whom were hurt.
A spokesperson from Raymond police reported that Masse was the focus of other serious active felony warrants from an incident that occurred earlier in the week. No details were provided, but it is believed that Masse purposely set fire to a family member's home.
Kodey Masse, a brother, told the media he was shocked to learn his brother had shot at the police and at family members.
"He wasn't my brother, that person last night," Masse told the media. "I'm just glad he's better now. Wherever he is. He's my brother now, not this person."
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Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
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