UPDATE: Following a search that necessitated issuing a shelter-in-place order for the safety of nearby residents, officers made contact with Mr. Masse at a wooded area around 10:06 pm Saturday, where they attempted to take him into custody. There was an exchange of gunfire between Mr. Masse with his rifle and the officers. Following that exchange, Mr. Masse was found deceased by officers when they approached his location. An autopsy is scheduled for early this week to determine Mr. Masse’s cause and manner of death.

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RAYMOND – A shootout late Saturday night ended when suspect Matthew J. Masse, 38, was found dead after exchanging gunfire with police who were trying to take him into custody after he shot a Nottingham police officer earlier in the day, according to a news release from Attorney General John Formella.

“Following a search that necessitated issuing a shelter-in-place order for the safety of nearby residents, officers made contact with Mr. Masse at a wooded area around 10:06 p.m. Saturday, where they attempted to take him into custody.

“There was an exchange of gunfire between Mr. Masse with his rifle and the officers. Following that exchange, Mr. Masse was found deceased by officers when they approached his location,” the release said.

The attorney general’s office is conducting an officer-involved shooting investigation related to Masse’s death Saturday night.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday police officers responded to an address on Ham Road in Raymond for a report that Masse had fired a long gun at family members. 

 As previously reported by other law enforcement agencies, Masse also fired his rifle at responding police officers, striking and wounding an officer with the Nottingham Police Department, and causing non-life-threatening injuries.  Mr. Masse then fled the scene into a wooded area. The Nottingham officer’s name hasn’t been released.

An autopsy is scheduled for early this week to determine Mr. Masse’s cause and manner of death.

The Nottingham police officer who was struck and wounded is currently being treated for his injuries, and no other law enforcement officers or private citizens were physically injured during the incidents, according to the news release.

“There is no further threat to the public at this time. Pursuant to protocol, the names of the officers involved in the exchange of gunfire with Mr. Masse are being withheld pending the conclusion of formal interviews,” the release said.

Investigators are currently assessing which responding agencies/officers have any police body camera or cruiser camera footage of any portion of Satuday’s incident.

It is expected that additional information will be released after the autopsy. The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation, police said.

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RAYMOND, N.H. – The New Hampshire State Police is assisting in the search for an armed suspect in Raymond who police consider dangerous, warning citizens to call 911 if they see him and don’t take any action themselves.

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.

Just after 1:30 p.m. Saturday, law enforcement was called to a home on Ham Road in Raymond for reports that a man was shooting at his family members. Officers responded and located the suspect.

The suspect fired shots at the officers, striking one of them. The officer was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.

The gunman ran from the scene and additional law enforcement personnel responded to set up a perimeter around the area in an effort to contain the suspect.

Numerous resources from the New Hampshire State Police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed to assist with the active search. At this time, residents in the area of Ham Road and Nottingham Road have been asked to shelter in place. All others are asked to avoid the area.

The suspect is described as a middle-aged white male who is 5’11” and 202 lbs., with black hair and hazel eyes. He is believed to be on foot. Anyone who sees a subject matching this description in the area should call 911 immediately. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

A media staging area has been established at the Cozy Corner Plaza at 61 Route 27 in Raymond. Updates will be provided as appropriate.