Massachusetts

Manhunt Continues for Somerville Robbery Suspect Who Prompted ‘Active Shooter' Response

Things are back to normal in Somerville following Wednesday's massive response to an "active shooter" call, but authorities are continuing to search for the bank robbery suspect who caused the trouble.

Multiple state and local units responded to the area of College Avenue in Davis Square at about 10 a.m. Wednesday after they received a report of an active shooter. The gunman is suspected to have robbed the Middlesex Federal Savings bank.

Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said the suspect fired a round as he entered the bank with the intention to rob it. Massachusetts State Police said the gunman opened fire on Somerville Police officers who responded to the scene and officials fired back. No officers were injured in the exchange.

The man then fled the scene and began a foot pursuit.

Dave Powers, who was headed to work at the time, said he heard police yelling and stepped in to try to help. The suspect evaded police and Powers, but dropped a backpack that was carrying a firearm.

The response prompted schools nearby to go on lock down and Davis Station was closed as authorities conducted their investigation.

At about 10:45 a.m., officials said they had a person of interest in custody who was cooperating with them.

"We had a person of interest, but we're confident now it was not the person," Somerville Police Capt. James Donovan said.

Following an extensive search, authorities said the suspect was no longer in the area. They are now relying on surveillance images to help them locate and identify the robber.

The suspect is described as a 20- to 35-year-old man who weighs approximately 175 pounds and is 5 feet 9 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket, black stocking hat, blue jeans and black sneakers.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Somerville police at 617-625-1600, ext. 7220.

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