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Police, SWAT Teams Search For Armed Man Suspected Of Franklin NH Attack

FRANKLIN N.H. (CBS) -- An armed suspect is on the loose after police say he attacked someone early Wednesday morning.

Homes in the Prospect and Pleasant Street area of Franklin have been evacuated as police search for Ryan Brouillard, 33, of 21 Pleasant St., suspected of attacking someone around 2:15 a.m. Police are considering this a public safety issue.

franklin standoff
SWAT police are searching for an armed suspect Wednesday. (WBZ-TV)

Police initially responded to a domestic incident, but backed off after Brouillard fled on foot and fired a gun. New Hampshire SWAT and aviation units along with various area police departments are now checking numerous homes where they believe Brouillard may be. Police also searched a homeless camp where they believed Brouillard might have been, but as of Wednesday evening he had still not been found.

Brouillard stands about 6'6" and weighs around 250 pounds, police say. He has brown hair, green eyes and was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

Residents who live in the area have been ordered to leave their homes and are being taken to the Community Center. Police say the residents may be relocated depending on how long the search lasts. Those who have not been evacuated are urged to stay inside, police say. A daycare in the area is on lock down, but no schools in the area are currently in session because of the holidays.

franklin standoff
Police line the streets as they search numerous homes where an armed suspect may be hiding. (WBZ-TV)

Police are also searching the nearby town of Northfield, where a set of footsteps lead them to the woods. Dennis Nogales said he alerted police after things seemed awry at his house.

"The door was open here where we keep the plow truck and the door was open to the plow truck," Nogales said.  "There was footsteps going over this edge right here gone that way running."

Initial reports that a police officer had been shot are untrue, police say.

"To clarify any rumors out there no police officers were shot, however the police officers did see a gun and a round was discharged," Franklin Police Chief David Goldstein said. "That's when the officers decided to back off, take up a tactical position and secure the area."

Goldstein says he's hoping for a peaceful end to the search. Residents should not approach Brouillard is spotted, but should instead call Franklin Police at 603-934-2535.

The incident is currently developing. Check back for further updates.

 

 

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