Belmont school locked down Friday during search for fugitive

BELMONT — A police operation aimed at capturing a person wanted on several serious charges led to security measures taken by a local school on Friday. The target of the action was taken into custody without resisting.

The operation was initiated by officers receiving “credible information,” according to a press release issued by Belmont police on Friday afternoon, that Mason-Wilder Thomas Marceau could be found at a residence in Pleasant Valley Trailer Park, located across Route 140 from Belmont Elementary School.

Marceau, 30, was wanted on several charges from Concord, including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, felony firearm use, violation of a restraining order and breach of bail conditions.

Due to the seriousness of the charges, and the proximity of the school, unusual steps were taken by police, including the school entering a “soft lock-down,” during which the exterior of the campus is secured while the school day proceeds as normal inside, as well as the request for the Belknap Regional Special Operations Group to assist.

The plan to approach Marceau at the home had to be scrapped, though, because he left before the special operations team could assemble. Marceau didn’t get far — he was taken into custody after he briefly stopped at another home in the neighborhood.

Belmont Chief Stephen Akerstrom said Marceau was cooperative when approached by officers, and won’t be facing any charges from Belmont.

Akerstrom said the call to the special operations group was placed at 8:52 a.m., and Marceau was in custody just after 10 a.m. He said it appears Marceau had been staying at the home police were initially intending to approach.

In the press release, Belmont Lt. Evan Boulanger wrote, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the residents of Pleasant Valley and staff at the nearby school for their patience, cooperation and vigilance during this operation. Your understanding was instrumental in allowing us the space and safety needed to bring this to a peaceful resolution.

“We also wish to thank our public safety partners from the Belknap Regional Special Operations Group, Belmont Fire Department and the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office for their professional support and assistance.”