A suspect who allegedly opened fire on a police officer in New Hampshire has been killed during a shootout with law enforcement, officials reported on Sunday.
Matthew J. Masse, 38, is accused of shooting at family members and a police officer on Saturday afternoon in Raymond. This incident triggered a significant manhunt, leading to road closures and a shelter-in-place order for local residents.
“An exchange of gunfire occurred between Mr. Masse, who was armed with a rifle, and the officers,” stated the Attorney General’s Office. “After the exchange, officers discovered Mr. Masse deceased when they approached his position.”
An autopsy is scheduled for early this week to determine the cause and manner of Masse’s death, according to the office.
Authorities released a photo of the suspect, identifying him as Matthew J. Masse, 38.
The violent encounter began shortly after 1:30 p.m. when Masse allegedly shot at his relatives with a long gun and fired upon the responding officers. A Nottingham Police Department officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized, officials confirmed.
The suspect — described as a middle-aged white male who is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 202 pounds — reportedly had active felony warrants for attempted arson at his family’s home on Thursday.
After the shooting, Masse fled into a wooded area, triggering a large-scale manhunt, officials said, and K-9 units were deployed and officers were “working feverishly with other agencies” in an all-hands-on-deck search.
New Hampshire State Police Maj. Brendan Davey speaks at a news conference on Saturday. (WBZ)
New Hampshire State Police found Masse around 10:06 p.m., hours after residents near Ham Road had been told to shelter in place, authorities said.
During the attempted arrest, an exchange of gunfire broke out. Authorities later found Masse dead at the scene, with his long gun recovered nearby.
The Raymond Police Department in New Hampshire reported activity and a closed road on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (WBZ)
No other officers or civilians were injured, and authorities said there is no further threat to the public.
The names of the officers involved are being withheld pending formal interviews, per protocol.
