Crime & Safety
UPDATED: Hunter Gives Himself Up After Manhunt on Martha's Vineyard
After a search involving multiple police agencies and helicopters, Steven Carlson of Oak Bluffs turned himself in and was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, Chilmark police said. He is suspected of menacing another hunter with his gun.
UPDATED: Carlson, 49, gave himself up to police after family and friends convinced him to go to the station at around 7:30 p.m., Chilmark Police Chief Brian Cioffi told Patch late Tuesday. Bail was set at $2,000, Cioffi said.
Police from several agencies, including two Massachusetts State Police helicopters, searched Chilmark Tuesday afternoon for a reported gunman who later gave himself up.
Chilmark Police Chief Brian Cioffi released the following statement shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday:
Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"On December 3, 2013, Chilmark Police arrested Steven Carlson of Oak Bluffs, for assault with a deadly weapon.
Police received a call via the Island Communication Center about two hunters who had an altercation.
Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During the altercation it was reported that Mr. Carlson pointed a long gun at the reporting party and threatened him.
Further information was received that lead the police to search a nearby swamp with the assistance of the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts State Police, Aquinnah Police, West Tisbury Police and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Natural Resources Rangers. The use of the Massachusetts State Police Helicopters aided in the search.
The incident was in close proximity to the Chilmark School. The Chilmark School followed lock down protocols and eventually after a late dismissal all students were reunited with their families."
The incident remains under investigation, Cioffi said.
See an eyewitness video at Helicopter Search Rattles Chilmark.