MANCHESTER, NH — Hours after police swarmed the city’s West Side responding to word that two officers were shot, Police Chief Nick Willard confirmed that the search was over, although he declined to elaborate.
“The word custody is being thrown out a lot. We are no longer looking for the individual we believe is responsible for shooting our two officers. What that means — it’s a fluid investigation and to protect the integrity of the investigation, I can’t actually say whether or not that individual is in custody, or if that individual is being questioned or anything of that nature,” Willard said during a noontime update.
“Given the facts and circumstances that are known to me, I am very confident that the city is safe,” he said.
Just after 2 a.m. one police officer was reportedly shot and, a short time later, a second officer was shot in a different location. Police issued a “shelter in place” directive on the West Side to keep residents at home while they conducted a block-by-block search, as armed officers searched parked cars and alleyways.
Just after 10 a.m. police lifted the shelter in place directive. One of the injured officers was reportedly treated and released from a local hospital. No update on the second injured officer was released, but initial reports indicated that the injuries to the officers were not life threatening.
Lt. Brian O’Keefe said any further updates would come from the Attorney General’s office.
You’re one click away! Sign up for our free eNewsletter and never miss another thing