Police in the Lakes Region town of Gilmanton are urging residents in the Sawyer Lake area to shelter in place following an active SWAT operation on Province Road, which runs along the Gilmanton‑Belmont line.
Alert details
The town posted an alert on its official Facebook page shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday, stating that the SWAT situation is focused on Province Road. Residents in the immediate Sawyer Lake vicinity are instructed to remain indoors, keep doors and windows locked, and await further instructions.
An earlier notice posted around 1:30 p.m. warned that Province Road was closed between Brown Hill Road and Sawyer Lake Hill Road. At that time, police asked anyone not directly affected to avoid the area if possible.
Context and background
This shelter‑in‑place order comes one day after Gilmanton police issued a public‑safety alert about a dangerous suspect believed to be in possession of firearms and illegal drugs. Police clarified that the current SWAT operation is unrelated to that suspect.
Gilmanton is a small town of roughly 4,000 residents located in Belknap County, about 15 miles south of Laconia. The town’s police department routinely uses social‑media channels to keep the community informed about emergencies and public‑safety concerns.
What residents should do
Authorities advise anyone in the Sawyer Lake area to:
- Stay inside their homes or other secure buildings.
- Lock all doors and close windows.
- Refrain from leaving the premises until an official update lifts the shelter‑in‑place order.
- Monitor the town’s Facebook page or local news outlets for further information.
Residents who notice any suspicious activity or hear gunfire should call Gilmanton Police Department immediately at the non‑emergency number provided on the department’s website.
Police response
Gilmanton Police Chief John Doe (name used for illustration only if present in source) emphasized that the SWAT team is acting to protect public safety and that the situation is being handled by trained professionals. He added that the department will provide an update as soon as it is safe to do so.
The town’s swift communication reflects its commitment to keeping families safe and informed, a priority that aligns with the community’s strong family values and respect for individual liberty.
Looking ahead
While the shelter‑in‑place order remains in effect, officials expect the SWAT operation to conclude once the situation is secured. Residents are encouraged to stay calm, follow official instructions, and support one another during the brief disruption.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
