GREENLAND, N.H. — A man opened fire on police conducting a drug investigation as they entered a New Hampshire home Thursday night, killing the town’s police chief and wounding four other officers. At 11 p.m., a man remained holed up in the home with a woman, police said.
“We are working with federal, state and local law enforcement to try to obtain a peaceful resolution,” Attorney General Michael Delaney said late Thursday. “I do want to extend my thoughts and prayers to families and relatives and loved ones of the police officer that has been killed and the four police officers that have been injured.”
The shooting devastated Greenland, a town of 3,500 near the sea coast that has just seven police officers, including Chief Michael Maloney, who was due to retire in less than two weeks.
An official with knowledge of the investigation said Maloney was the officer killed. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak ahead of the official release of the identities of those involved.
“It’s a blow to all of us. You’re stunned. It’s New Hampshire; it’s a small town,” said John Penacho, chairman of the town’s Board of Selectmen. “We’re stunned. I mean all of us. It’s an unbelievable situation.”
Streets all around the home were blocked off, and officers stood at roadblocks in the pouring rain.
State police and officers from many departments responded after the initial call about 6 p.m.
Gov. John Lynch was at the hospital where the officers were taken.
“This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts and prayers are with the officers involved and their families,” he said.
The shootings took place at 517 Post Road, a 2-bedroom, 1½- story structure that’s listed as owned by the Beverly Mutrie Revocable Trust, according to tax assessor records.
The Portsmouth Herald reported in February 2011 that Cullen Mutrie, 29, was a resident of the home on 517 Post Road and had been arrested and charged with possession of anabolic steroids.
