'Armed and dangerous' suspect arrested after manhunt in NH

ROCHESTER, N.H. — After a nearly 24-hour search, an "armed and dangerous" suspect has been arrested in Rochester, New Hampshire.

The suspect, 27-year-old Christopher Thomas surrendered to SWAT team members at 10:20 a.m. Monday after sparking an overnight manhunt in the woods. He is charged with four counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon.

The incident began just after noon on Sunday when Rochester Police received a report of a man with a gun seen near Walmart before disappearing in the woods.

Thomas was already wanted on three warrants for criminal threatening and four warrants for theft, and was known to the Walmart loss prevention unit. When Walmart security saw Thomas on surveillance video with a high-powered rifle, they immediately recognized him and called police.

Thomas ran into the woods behind the Farmington Road Walmart, where police say he had been living, prompting a large search. Police located Thomas in the woods and set up a perimeter around him.

Police say overnight, Thomas fired shots at them, but no one was injured.

"We did on more than one occasion face gunshots from the suspect into the area of the helicopter and police officers," said Rochester Police Chief Paul Toussaint.

Finally, Thomas surrendered to officers Monday morning. He is being held without bail and is expected to face additional charges for shooting at police.

The Walmart store and nearby Market Basket and other stores were forced to evacuate Sunday evening. Businesses are now open and Ten Rod Road has been deemed safe for hunters.

Cox Media Group