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A New Hampshire police officer was involved in a tragic incident where the suspect, who allegedly shot the officer, was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement, as reported by officials on Sunday.
Matthew J. Masse, aged 38, reportedly fired shots at his own family and a police officer who responded to the situation on Saturday afternoon in Raymond. This led to a widespread search operation, which included the closure of roads and an order for residents to remain indoors.
“There was a gunfire exchange between Mr. Masse, armed with a rifle, and the officers,” stated the state Attorney General’s Office. “After this confrontation, officers discovered Mr. Masse deceased upon reaching his location.”
An autopsy is planned for early this week to determine the exact cause and manner of his death, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities released a photograph of the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Matthew J. Masse. (WBZ)
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 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.Â
The names of the officers involved are being withheld pending formal interviews, per protocol.