ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (myCV) -- Vermont State Police are searching for a suspect accused of shooting a St. Johnsbury police officer Friday afternoon. A blue alert was activated Friday night, alerts went out on television, and digitally. Scott Mason, 38, should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if you see him, call 911 immediately.
Police said Mason, shot and injured the officer while they were responding to a domestic violence incident at Mason's apartment on 261 Portland St in St. Johnsbury. According to VSP, Mason is wanted on an arrest warrant for failure to appear on 26 counts of forgery that are unconnected to the shooting.
The officer is in stable condition according to VSP. He was airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where he is undergoing treatment. His injuries appear non-life threatening. Police have not released the name of the officer.
Mason is described as 5 foot 11 inches, weighing around 220 pounds with hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, and a gray hoodie.
Police continue to work in the area of Portland Street. The road has reopened after being closed for a short time. Residents in the area can expect a heavy police presence while the shooting is investigated.
People who wish to submit anonymous tips can do so by texting the keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES), calling 844-84-VTIPS, or visiting https://vtips.us.
VSP encourages members of the public to be vigilant and take reasonable precautions. That includes locking home and car doors and remaining aware of their surroundings.
According to the Vermont State Police website, The Blue Alert System is designed to rapidly disseminate information to the public when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured, killed, or is missing in the line of duty warranting concern for the officer's safety, and the suspect(s) involved have fled and pose an imminent threat to the public or other law enforcement officers.