Massive manhunt launched after Millis officer reports shooting
A rookie police officer in Millis who said Wednesday that someone shot his cruiser before it crashed and burst into flames fabricated the story, police said.
The officer, 24, said he was traveling on Forest Road when he saw a red or maroon pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. He said when the two vehicles met, the driver opened fire on the police cruiser, police say.
"My cruiser's been shot at. I'm at Forest Road. It's going to be a dark maroon pickup," the officer radioed to dispatch at 2:17 p.m.
The officer said he spun around, and in an attempt to avoid the gunfire and seek shelter, he slammed into a tree and the cruiser burst into flames.
"We have determined that the officer's story was fabricated. Specifically, that he fired shots at his own cruiser as a plan to concoct a story that he was fired upon," Millis Police Sgt. William Dwyer said. "The evidence indicates the shots were not fired by a suspect, and there is no gunman at large in or around the town."
A massive manhunt for the alleged gunman was launched. The neighborhood was immediately locked down while police units, including a SWAT team, K-9 officers and a Massachusetts State Police helicopter combed the area.
Residents who were told to stay indoors or couldn't get home because of the lockdown said they were dumbfounded that the story may have been made up.
"With all these police officers actually getting hurt in this world, why he is doing that I don't know," Nancy Haney said.
Dwyer said the officer is new to the force and has not yet attended the police academy. He said the officer will be terminated, and his name will not be released until the investigation is complete.
"I am very upset and don't know how to feel right now," Dwyer said. "The public is safe and should feel secure in their homes and the community."
Earlier Wednesday morning, police said Millis Middle School received a call from someone who said a crime may occur in town at some point during the day, and about an hour later, someone called in a bomb threat. Emergency crews immediately responded and the building was secured.
Investigators swept through the school, but no evidence of any device was found in the school. Police said at the time that they didn't believe the two incidents were related, but out of an abundance of caution, schools in Millis were closed.
"I am very angry that it ruined (students') first day of school," Theresa Mahoney said. "It stressed me out completely. My husband and I both missed time from work."
John Thurston, a retired firefighter, followed the manhunt and lockdown by listening to his police scanners.
"Everyone is getting shot who is wearing a badge, and here is a guy shooting himself and blowing up his car," he said. "I couldn't believe it."
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