Authorities have confirmed that a man suspected of shooting a New Hampshire police officer was fatally shot during an encounter with law enforcement on Sunday. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Matthew J. Masse, allegedly initiated gunfire on family members and a police officer in Raymond on Saturday afternoon, setting off a large-scale search operation.
According to the state Attorney General’s Office, Masse engaged in a shootout with officers using a rifle. “There was an exchange of gunfire between Mr. Masse and the officers,” the statement detailed. “After the exchange, officers discovered Mr. Masse deceased at the scene.” An autopsy is scheduled for the coming days to determine the precise cause and manner of his death.
The violent episode began shortly after 1:30 p.m. when Masse is said to have fired a long gun at his relatives and at officers who responded to the scene. This led to road closures and a directive for residents to remain indoors as authorities launched a manhunt. A Nottingham Police Department officer was injured in the incident but is expected to recover, officials reported.
Details about Masse describe him as a middle-aged White man, approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height and weighing around 202 pounds. Prior to the shooting, Masse had outstanding felony warrants related to an attempted arson at his family’s residence earlier in the week.
The incident erupted shortly after 1:30 p.m., when Masse reportedly shot his relatives with a long gun and then fired at responding police. A Nottingham Police Department officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
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 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.
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.
Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
