Manhunt underway for Morrisville suspect
MORRISVILLE, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont State Police say multiple agencies are searching for a Morrisville man considered “armed and dangerous” following a reported kidnapping and shootout with a police officer Thursday night.
Schools in the area have been closed and people are being asked to stay inside with the doors locked as the search for Henry Lovell, 24, continues.
It started after police say a Morristown officer responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment near Upper Main and Pleasant Streets around 8:45 p.m. and was met with gunfire. They say the officer recognized from previous incidents and that he returned gunfire. Police say the officer sustained minor injuries during the exchange and that Lovell took off.
Video obtained by WCAX from inside the FVW in Morrisville Thursday night after the confrontation with police, shows Lovell struggling with a man over a long gun and the man wrestling it away. Lovell is then seen leaving the room.
A large area downtown has been blocked off with crime tape Friday and the VSP Major Crime Unit is processing the scene. A Vermont State Police tactical unit in an armored vehicle was also seen inspecting the Woodward Building on Portland Street.
A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol circled low over the private Bishop John A. Marshall School on Laporte Rd., but we have not been able to confirm if it’s related to the investigation.
Lovell is described as 6′ 2″ with blond hair. He was last seen wearing a camouflage-style jacket, dark pants, and a red ballcap. Anyone who sees a person fitting Lovell’s description should immediately call 911. Police are also looking for any surveillance video from the public to aid in the investigation.
The Lamoille Supervisory Union has closed the Elmore School, Morristown Elementary, and People’s Academy for the day.
Many businesses in the downtown area are closed. Power Play Sports was one of the few open Friday morning. “This is a pretty quiet town. I mean, we have, you know, our little small-town quarrels, but nothing really,” said Jayson Hill, an employee at the store.
The officer involved in the shooting was treated and released from Copley Hospital. Officials say they will release his name Saturday.
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https://www.wcax.com/2023/04/21/police-searching-armed-dangerous-morrisville-man/