A Massachusetts man suspected of a shooting outside a public works depot in Middleborough appeared in court to face a judge on Friday.
Raymond Gibson, 55, of Falmouth, was arraigned on multiple charges after police say he fired shots outside of a Massachusetts Department of Transportation public works depot on Route 28.
Bullets struck two vehicles nearby, but no one was reported hurt in the shooting. According to police, Gibson then fled into the woods, where he was captured about two-and-a-half hours later.
People living near 201 West Grove Street -- which serves in the area as Route 28 -- were asked to shelter in place. Middleborough police said they considered the gunman, initially reported as an "active shooter," to be armed and dangerous, and a large apartment complex is nearby.
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The shooting was reported about 9:06 a.m., and was witnessed by a handful of people at a fencing company across the street. Police said the gunman was on the side of the road, striking a window inside the depot.
State police said he was in fatigues -- though police later said he was dressed in a military-style hat, not camouflage clothes -- and ran into the woods west of Evergreen Drive where it intersects the highway.
A perimeter was set up as police search for the gunman, with the help of SWAT teams and state troopers. The officers were working in the driving rain from Tropical Storm Elsa, which was slamming New England Friday morning.
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According to police, an officer spotted Gibson in the woods about 11:40 a.m. and took him into custody without incident. A gun was found during the investigation.
When police initially shared the news of the shooting, they wrote on Facebook, "STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA !!!!! Anyone living on Evergreen shelter in place !" But a spokesman said later, "There is not a current active shooter but a shelter in place is in effect for the immediate area."
Local police issued a "reverse-911 shelter in place call," state police said.
Middleboro is south of Boston and west of Plymouth. The shooting scene is near Interstate 495.
"We're extremely thankful that no one was injured in this incident," Marlborough Police Chief Thomas Perkins said in a public statement. "This was not an easy response given the heavy rain from the storm and it was great work by our officer who spotted the suspect in the woods, leading to his arrest."
Authorities say it is unclear what Gibson's motive may have been. Police say Gibson has a license to carry firearms, but it has now been suspended pending a review.
Gibson has pleaded not guilty to multiple firearm charges, disturbing the peace, and destruction of a motor vehicle.
