A suspect accused of shooting a New Hampshire police officer and fleeing into the woods was killed in a gunfight with authorities on Saturday evening. Matthew J. Masse, 38, allegedly opened fire on family members and responding officers in Raymond, triggering a massive manhunt that included road closures and a shelter-in-place order.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when police responded to a residence on Ham Road after reports that Masse had fired a rifle at his family. Upon arrival, officers engaged with Masse, who shot at them, striking a Nottingham Police Department officer with non-life-threatening injuries. Masse then fled into a wooded area, prompting a large-scale search involving K-9 units and multiple agencies.
Authorities located Masse around 10:06 p.m. near Ham Road, where an exchange of gunfire occurred during an attempted arrest. Masse was found deceased at the scene, and his long gun was recovered nearby. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of his death.
No other officers or civilians were injured in the incident. The wounded officer is receiving treatment, and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted. Investigators are reviewing body camera and cruiser camera footage, and the names of officers involved in the gunfight are being withheld pending formal interviews.
Masse had active felony warrants for attempted arson at his family's home on Thursday. Authorities are investigating his motives for shooting at his family and law enforcement.