Armed suspect Matthew J. Massie ambushed New Hampshire police officers after shooting at his own family, forcing a tense manhunt that ended with his death in a justified shootout—highlighting the life-or-death risks our brave law enforcement faces daily.
Story Snapshot
- 38-year-old Matthew J. Massie fired a high-powered rifle at family members on April 4, 2026, in rural Raymond, NH, then wounded a Nottingham officer.
- Massive multi-agency manhunt ensued with shelter-in-place orders; tactical teams cornered him in woods by 10 PM.
- Massie fired first at state troopers, who returned fire, killing him—a long gun recovered at the scene.
- Prior suspicious fire at family home two days earlier led to felony warrants; motive remains under investigation.
Domestic Shooting Sparks Crisis
On April 4, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, Raymond Police Department responded to Ham Road for reports of Matthew J. Massie, 38, firing a high-powered rifle at family members. No family injuries occurred, but the incident flagged active felony warrants from a suspicious fire at his mother’s home two days prior on April 2. Raymond Police Chief Michael Labell confirmed prior awareness of Massie. This rural Rockingham County setting near Nottingham quickly escalated into a public safety emergency.
Officer Ambushed and Manhunt Launched
Responding officers faced immediate gunfire from Massie, who struck a Nottingham Police Department officer with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The officer received hospital treatment. Massie, described as a 5’11”, 202-pound white male with black hair and hazel eyes, fled on foot into wooded areas, armed with a long gun. New Hampshire State Police, Raymond PD, and other agencies established a perimeter. Authorities issued shelter-in-place orders for Ham Road and Nottingham Road areas, urging residents to avoid contact with the armed and dangerous suspect.
Fatal Confrontation in the Woods
Around 10:06 PM, state and local tactical teams located Massie in a wooded area. Officers attempted custody, but Massie fired his rifle at them. Troopers returned fire, striking and killing him. A long gun lay beside his body when approached. Major Brendan Davey detailed the exchange, stating the suspect fired first and ceased after being hit. No other officers or civilians suffered physical injuries. The rapid, hours-long manhunt resolved without broader casualties.
Investigations and Community Aftermath
As of early April 5, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella’s office leads the officer-involved shooting probe, standard protocol for trooper actions. An autopsy scheduled early that week will confirm Massie’s cause of death. Motive investigations continue, linking the suspicious fire, domestic shots, and officer attack. Shelter-in-place lifted promptly; Raymond and Nottingham communities endured brief disruption but now face no active threat. The injured officer recovers, underscoring officer safety risks in domestic escalations.
Under President Trump’s second term, federal support bolsters local law enforcement against such threats, prioritizing public safety and backing those who protect our families and neighborhoods from violent criminals. This incident reinforces the need for swift, decisive police action in rural settings where fugitives exploit terrain.
Sources:
NHPR: Police officer shot, armed suspect at large in Raymond
