SWAT Sent To Warner After Gunshots Near Fugitive's Former Home

WARNER, NH — The hunt for a career criminal and felon wanted on rape, second-degree assault, and bail violation charges led New Hampshire State Police back to Warner Wednesday for an incident that turned out to be a separate call not connected to the fugitive. State police, U.S. Marshals, and others are searching for Douglas C. Smith Jr., a former resident of Warner. Around 7 p.m., police received a report of shots fired on Parade Ground Cemetery Road — not far from a home where Smith used to reside.

Warner police called Merrimack County sheriffs for backup and EMTs from both Hopkinton and Warner were sent to the area, staging on Route 103, to assist with any medical needs. According to dispatch and scanner chatter, a man was firing off rounds of ammunition and there was uncertainty as to what exactly was happening in the area.

At just after 8 p.m., New Hampshire State Police's SWAT team were mobilized. Police from Bradford, Henniker, Hopkinton, and Webster were requested to assist. Later, investigators found a homeowner deceased due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The case remains under investigation by Warner police, according to Sgt. Gregg De Luca of Troop D, and there appears to be no connection to Smith with the incident. He remains at-large, with a $2,500 reward connected to his arrest.

ALSO READ:

• Armed And Dangerous Felon Accused Of Rape, Second-Degree Assault
• Hunt For Douglas Smith Comes To Concord After Bad Tip
• 2nd Alert Issued For NH Felon Douglas Smith: Trooper Roundup
• NH State Police Seek Public's Help Finding Wanted Croydon Man

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