Authorities are searching Western Massachusetts for an armed and dangerous man wanted in connection with a Connecticut shooting.
Darnell Barnes, age 22, allegedly shot someone multiple times in West Hartford Thursday night, Nov. 3, Massachusetts State Police said. Barnes is believed to have fled to Massachusetts and authorities launched a search for him just before 8 a.m. on Friday, police said.
State Troopers located the car Barnes was driving, a black Nissan Pathfinder with New Mexico plates, on the west side of the Mass Pike in Blandford with no weapons inside, police said.
Barnes, who has yet to be found, is described as a Black male, standing 5’5," with a slender build, according to police. He is believed to be from Hartford but has also lived in Bristol, police added.
Police believe he could be hiding in the Blandford/Russell area. Residents are being told to stay indoors if possible, be cautious of their surroundings and report anything suspicious. Schools in the Westfield area were also told to shelter in place during the search, reports said.
Police later cleared the area surrounding the Mass Pike after their search for Barnes came up short. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.
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