An active manhunt is underway for an “armed suspect” accused of shooting a police officer in Raymond, New Hampshire, on Saturday afternoon, and area residents are being asked to shelter in place.
New Hampshire State Police said the situation started when Raymond Police were called to a home on Ham Road just after 1:30 p.m. for a report of a man shooting at his family members. When officers arrived, the suspect allegedly opened fire, hitting a veteran Nottingham police officer.
The officer was taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, Major Brendan Davey said, noting the officer has the agency’s full support. His name is being withheld at this time.
Officers in Raymond first responded for reports of a man shooting at family members and when they arrived, officials say the suspect fired on police.
The gunman ran from the scene, into a wooded area, and remains at large, police said Saturday evening.
A perimeter was set up in an effort to contain the gunman, and law enforcement is focusing their search area to a large parcel of wooded land, bounded generally by Ham Road, Nottingham Road (Route 156), Route 27, and Blake Road in Epping.
“Scores of law enforcement resources are in the area, and the manhunt is very active and will remain so until the suspect is taken into custody,” Davey said.
The suspect has since been identified as Matthew J. Masse, 38, of Raymond. He is described as a middle-aged man, 5-foot-11, 202 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes.
State police said they would like the public to be familiarized with Masse’s photo. Anyone who sees someone matching his description in the area of concern or anywhere within reach of a few hours of walking on foot should call 911 immediately.
#UPDATE: The suspect is identified as Matthew J. Masse, 38, of Raymond. He was last seen on foot and was carrying a long gun. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to (603) MCU-TIPS. If seen, do not approach and call 911 immediately. https://t.co/uPN9yp0GJ4 pic.twitter.com/lAsljimabh
— New Hampshire State Police (@NH_StatePolice) April 5, 2026
Masse was last known to be on foot and was armed with a long gun, Davey said. He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
“We would ask that no one from the public take any direct action with him and instead call law enforcement,” Davey said. “We know this incident has caused anxiety in the public, and we want everyone to be assured that we are utilizing all available resources which are substantial to take the suspect into custody. Numerous resources from the New Hampshire State Police including our investigative services bureau, tactical resources, and scores of federal, county and local law enforcement agencies have been deployed to assist in this active operation.”
“It’s all hands on deck,” Davey added, “and it will remain ongoing until we have this suspect in custody.”
Police will be using “every means necessary,” according to Davey, including technological and K9s.
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Residents in the area of concern are continuing to be asked to shelter in place. Make sure your vehicles and homes are locked, take your keys inside, and maintain a heightened level of awareness, Davey said.
All others are being asked to avoid the area.
A tip line has been set up at 603-628-8477 (603-MCU-TIPS). Anyone with information that could help this investigation is asked to call that number. This tip line is not for an imminent threat — if something goes on at your house, call 911, Davey said.
You can also call state police headquarters at 603-223-4381any time.
Law enforcement has utilized various forms of public messaging so far, including social media posts, reverse 911 calls, and emergency public alerts, to inform people of this “dangerous individual.”
Chief Michael Labell said the Raymond Police Department was first made aware of Masse based off an incident that occurred two days ago. Since that time, they’ve been working “feverishly” with other agencies in an attempt to locate him, following up on several leads and deploying the special operations unit Friday where they thought he’d be — unfortunately that led to nothing.
There are active felony warrants for Masse based on the incident that happened two days ago, Labell said. It;s unclear if he intentionally set fire to the family’s home. Further details were not immediately available, and an investigation remains ongoing.
Raymond police said earlier Saturday that Ham Road was closed due to police activity, and residents were being asked to avoid the area and Route 156, while residents of Ham Road and Nottingham Road were asked to shelter in place until further notice. New Hampshire State Police later said they were assisting Raymond police with “an active search for an armed subject.”
Reni Mylonas, who owns nearby Agape Cakes and Confections, was working through a busy Easter weekend when the situation started.
“We’re keeping an eye out,” she told NBC10 Boston. “We have our cameras locked and loaded, we’re making sure nothing happens, all our doors are locked.”
Troopers are assisting @RaymondNHPolice with an active search for an armed subject. Residents in the area of Ham Rd. and Nottingham Rd. should shelter in place until further notice and anticipate a presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/Yzj0m8zZ4P
— New Hampshire State Police (@NH_StatePolice) April 4, 2026
#UPDATE: Media staging is at the Cozy Corner Plaza at 61 Route 27 in Raymond. The search for the armed subject remains active at this time. Updates will be provided.
— New Hampshire State Police (@NH_StatePolice) April 4, 2026
An active investigation is ongoing.