Hampton Beach, NH, June 24, 2025 – A peaceful summer evening at Hampton Beach, often a bustling spot for tourists and locals alike, was suddenly disrupted by violence when gunfire erupted near the Hampton House Hotel, leaving two individuals injured and sparking a police chase that spread across New Hampshire. As authorities scrambled to contain the situation, an intense manhunt ensued in the nearby town of Deerfield, prompting a shelter-in-place order for residents in the vicinity.

The Incident: A Summer Evening Shattered

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2025, Hampton Police received distressing reports of gunfire near 333 Ocean Boulevard, a prime location just north of the iconic Ashworth Hotel. The serene sounds of crashing waves and the bustling of beachgoers quickly gave way to panic as officers rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found a man with a gunshot wound to his foot. First responders quickly provided medical assistance, stabilizing the victim while awaiting paramedics. Moments later, authorities learned of a second victim near “A” Street, prompting an immediate expansion of the police perimeter along the beach area.

Local media outlets reported that the shooting occurred near an area where several bars and restaurants line the beach, meaning there were many witnesses to the chaotic moments that followed. Eyewitnesses spoke of the shock and confusion as they saw individuals scattering from the area, some seeking safety inside nearby establishments.

The beach, typically a hotbed of late-night summer activities, quickly became a massive crime scene. Ocean Boulevard was shut down to traffic between “J” and “K” Streets, with multiple law enforcement agencies converging on the area. Hampton Police, along with support from Seabrook Police and other local agencies, cordoned off the crime scene to allow for a thorough investigation.

As the hours ticked by, officers were seen marking evidence and canvassing the area. The police activity, which included forensic experts combing the scene for evidence, drew numerous onlookers, who were urged by law enforcement to avoid the vicinity for safety reasons.

The Police Chase: High-Speed Pursuit Across State Lines

Minutes after the shooting, at approximately 8:48 p.m., New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) were alerted to a vehicle believed to be connected to the crime. The vehicle, reportedly a sedan, was seen fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed, prompting a statewide pursuit that extended well beyond Hampton’s borders.

The chase, which reached speeds of up to 100 mph, spanned several towns, with NH State Police trailing the suspect’s vehicle through Epping and into the rural town of Deerfield, located about 30 miles north of Hampton. Despite the officers’ efforts to stop the car, the driver continued to evade capture, and the chase intensified as the suspect entered a more wooded and isolated area.

By 9:00 p.m., the suspect’s vehicle was abandoned, and the driver fled on foot into the surrounding woods. With darkness falling and the suspect still at large, authorities initiated a ground search, bringing in K9 units, tactical teams, and additional officers to comb the area near Route 43 and Old Candia Road in Deerfield.

Deerfield Manhunt and Shelter-in-Place Order

As the search for the suspect in Deerfield intensified, New Hampshire State Police took the unprecedented step of issuing a shelter-in-place order for residents in the immediate area. At 9:02 p.m., authorities warned that the suspect was considered dangerous and that all residents within a two-mile radius of the search area should remain indoors.

“We are doing everything in our power to apprehend the suspect,” said NH State Police spokesperson, Sgt. Michael O’Neill. “We urge all Deerfield residents to stay inside, lock their doors, and report any suspicious activity.”

The NHSP also deployed a helicopter to assist in aerial surveillance, using infrared technology to help locate the suspect, who had likely taken refuge in the thick forested area surrounding Deerfield. Officers also set up roadblocks to prevent any vehicles from entering the search zone.

At the same time, law enforcement urged local businesses in the Deerfield area to close early and advised individuals in surrounding communities to avoid the area entirely. Social media was flooded with updates from concerned citizens, many sharing their personal experiences and asking for more information.

By 9:43 p.m., NH State Police confirmed that the search efforts were ongoing, but the suspect had yet to be apprehended. Law enforcement continued to advise the public to stay tuned for updates and to remain vigilant in case the situation escalated further.

Public Response and Media Coverage

As the situation unfolded, Hampton Beach and Deerfield were at the center of media attention. Journalists from across New England arrived in the affected areas, providing live updates from the scene. The influx of media attention only added to the growing concern among residents, who remained on edge throughout the night.

Local officials and law enforcement, in an effort to maintain public safety, continued to provide regular updates to the public. Police urged all non-essential personnel to avoid the area, and many of the local businesses along Ocean Boulevard were forced to close for the evening. Many beachgoers, who had been out enjoying a summer evening, were either relocated to nearby hotels or instructed to leave the area entirely.

Hampton’s police chief, along with the mayor of Hampton, held an impromptu press conference, during which they acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reassured the public that authorities were doing everything they could to resolve the situation safely. They also confirmed that no officers were injured during the high-speed pursuit.

The shelter-in-place order, as well as the ongoing investigation into the shooting, kept residents and local authorities on edge well into the night. As of the latest reports, it remains unclear what led to the shooting or whether the victims knew the suspect involved.

The Investigation: Questions Surround the Motive

As of late Monday night, the investigation into the shooting was still ongoing. Hampton Police and NH State Police were working closely to piece together the details of the incident. A spokesperson for the Hampton Police Department confirmed that detectives had been working throughout the evening to gather evidence and speak with witnesses.

“What we are focusing on now is identifying the individuals involved in the shooting and determining the motive behind this violent act,” said Detective Laura Simmons of the Hampton Police Department.

Initial reports indicated that the two victims, one of whom was shot in the foot and the other in the vicinity of A Street, were both conscious and alert when taken to the hospital. Neither of the victims has been identified publicly, though police are in contact with their families. Authorities have not released any further details regarding the victims’ conditions.

The question of motive remains one of the biggest mysteries. Officials have not confirmed whether the shooting was the result of a targeted attack, a robbery gone wrong, or if the two victims were random targets. Investigators are working under the assumption that the suspect may have known the victims, but this has yet to be substantiated.

Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures

As a result of the ongoing police activity, Hampton Beach and Deerfield were experiencing significant disruptions. Ocean Boulevard remained closed to all traffic between “J” and “K” Streets, and motorists were being advised to avoid the area. The heavy police presence meant that access to certain areas along the beach was restricted, frustrating many drivers who found themselves caught in traffic or unable to reach their destinations.

Additionally, Route 43 near Old Candia Road in Deerfield was closed to all vehicles, creating significant bottlenecks in the area as law enforcement continued their search for the suspect. The closures were expected to last through the night, with authorities urging motorists to seek alternate routes.

A Long Night Ahead: The Search for Answers Continues

As the manhunt continued into the early hours of June 25, 2025, residents of Deerfield and the surrounding areas remained anxious. The shelter-in-place order was still in effect, and law enforcement officials were tirelessly combing the area for any sign of the suspect.

The situation remains fluid, and authorities have asked that anyone with information about the incident or the suspect come forward. Local police departments, including Hampton and Seabrook Police, have set up hotlines for tips, and the public is encouraged to report anything unusual.

With the suspect still on the loose, it is uncertain when the situation will come to a close. However, law enforcement is determined to bring the situation to a safe and swift resolution.

Stay tuned for further updates as this breaking story develops.