A massive law enforcement operation is underway in southern New Hampshire after a man allegedly opened fire on family members and then on responding police officers on Saturday afternoon, leaving one officer in serious condition. Matthew J. Massey, 38, of Raymond, New Hampshire, is the subject of an intense search involving state, federal, county, and local agencies.

Authorities say Massey fired on relatives just after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and then shot a Nottingham Police Department officer who responded to the scene, prompting a shelter-in-place order and road closures as a massive manhunt continues in a wooded area near the small town of Raymond.

The alarming sequence of events has raised serious questions about how a suspect with active felony warrants was still at large in the community prior to Saturday's violence. Raymond Police Department Chief Michael Labell acknowledged at a Saturday night news conference that officers had been "working feverishly with other agencies in attempting to locate him" before the shooting occurred. The revelation that Massey already faced warrants related to an attempted arson at his family's home on Thursday underscores the urgency that preceded Saturday's confrontation.

A Timeline of Escalating Violence in Raymond

According to authorities, the chain of events began on Thursday, when Massey allegedly attempted to commit arson at his family's home. That incident led to the issuance of active felony warrants for his arrest. It remains unclear whether Massey had any prior criminal history before Thursday's alleged arson attempt.

By Saturday, law enforcement agencies were already coordinating efforts to find Massey. However, just after 1:30 p.m. local time, Massey allegedly opened fire on his family members. The specific location of that shooting and the condition of any family members who may have been injured have not been publicly disclosed by authorities, as Fox News reports.

Officers tracked Massey down following the initial shooting, but the confrontation quickly turned dangerous when he allegedly fired on the responding officers, according to New Hampshire State Police. One officer from the Nottingham Police Department was struck by gunfire and transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where the officer remains in serious condition. The wounded officer has not been publicly identified.

Suspect Flees Into Dense Woodland as Perimeter Tightens

After the exchange of gunfire with police, Massey allegedly fled the scene on foot. Additional law enforcement personnel quickly responded and established a perimeter around the area. Authorities believe Massey is hiding somewhere within a large parcel of wooded land.

New Hampshire State Police described Massey as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing just over 200 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. He is believed to be armed with a long gun. Residents in the surrounding area have been instructed to shelter in place, lock their doors, and keep all keys inside their homes.

Multiple roads in the area remain closed, including Route 156. New Hampshire State Police Maj. Brendan Davey emphasized the scale of the response, stating, "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."

Authorities Deploy K-9 Units and Aircraft in Search

Davey added that investigators are deploying K-9 units and aerial assets to locate Massey in the heavily wooded terrain. "It's all hands on deck, and it will remain ongoing until we have this suspect in custody," Davey said. Raymond is a small town in southern New Hampshire, located about 20 minutes east of Manchester and roughly an hour north of Boston, Massachusetts.

"We know this incident has caused anxiety in the public, and we want everyone to be assured that we're utilizing all available resources — which are substantial — to take this suspect into custody," Davey told reporters. A tip line has been established at 603-628-8477 for anyone with information about Massey's whereabouts. Both the Raymond Police Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to additional inquiries.

Lessons to Learn

1. When authorities issue a shelter-in-place order, compliance is critical. Locking doors, securing windows, and keeping keys inside can reduce your vulnerability during an active search for a dangerous suspect. Residents should monitor official channels for updates rather than venturing outside to investigate.

2. Awareness of active warrants and law enforcement activity in your community can help you stay informed and prepared. If you notice suspicious behavior or have information about a wanted individual, contacting the designated tip line or local authorities promptly could save lives.

3. Situations involving domestic disputes or family violence can escalate rapidly and unpredictably, posing risks not only to the individuals involved but also to neighbors and first responders. It is important to recognize that no matter what precautions people take, crime can strike anyone, and victims should never be blamed for the actions of those who commit violent acts.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters because it highlights the extraordinary danger that law enforcement officers and entire communities face when a violent suspect remains at large. The wounding of a police officer in the line of duty and the threat to an entire town's safety demonstrate the real-world consequences of escalating criminal behavior. The residents of Raymond and surrounding areas deserve answers about how this situation developed and assurance that every resource is being used to bring it to a safe resolution.

In summary, Matthew J. Massey, 38, of Raymond, New Hampshire, is the subject of an ongoing manhunt after allegedly firing on family members and then shooting a Nottingham Police Department officer on Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2026. The officer remains in serious condition, and Massey — who had active felony warrants stemming from an alleged attempted arson at his family's home on Thursday — is believed to be armed with a long gun and hiding in a large wooded area. Authorities have deployed K-9 units, aerial assets, and personnel from numerous state, federal, county, and local agencies while residents shelter in place and multiple roads, including Route 156, remain closed. Anyone with information is urged to call the tip line at 603-628-8477.