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Suspect Flees After Shooting At Millis Police Officer

MILLIS (CBS) – Police are searching for the person who opened fire on a police cruiser in Millis Wednesday afternoon.

Massachusetts State Police said shots were fired at the cruiser at about 3:00 pm on Forest Rd.

Police say the cruiser spun around to avoid the gunfire and hit a tree. The cruiser immediately burst into flames but the officer was OK.

Millis shooting
Bryan Johnson's police SUV was towed away after the fire and crash, Sept. 2, 2015. (WBZ-TV)

In total, police say 2-3 shots were fired by the suspect, while the officer returned three shots.

The officer involved was transported to Norwood Hospital as a precaution. He has since been released.

The suspect, who fled the scene, is described as a white tanned male age 25-40 with a black handgun.

Police are looking for a red or maroon pickup truck.

SWAT Millis
SWAT team members search a shed in Millis after a shooting (WBZ-TV)

Earlier in the day, threats were called into Millis High School and Millis Middle School but officers determined the calls were not credible. As a precaution, Millis Public Schools will be closed on Thursday.

Police do not believe the school threats are related to the shooting.

WBZ-TV's Katie Brace reports

Residents who live in the area received a phone alert from the town asking them to shelter in place. That order was lifted later Wednesday night.

SWAT team members went door to door searching for the gunman as a State Police helicopters hovered above the town. The FBI and ATF are also involved in the investigation.

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