Salem police announced Wednesday that Daquhan Cromer, the man subject of a shelter‑in‑place notice issued Tuesday night, has been taken into custody. The capture occurred in Lowell, Massachusetts, after a coordinated effort by the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Background on the search
Authorities issued the shelter‑in‑place warning for the Millville and Taylor Streets area on Tuesday after learning that Cromer, a 30‑year‑old man from South Carolina, was considered armed and dangerous. The notice prompted several Salem schools to go into lockdown, keeping students inside classrooms until police gave the all‑clear.
Salem School District officials said three schools were placed on lockdown while the search was underway. Parents were not permitted to pick up children until police confirmed the threat had been neutralized. The shelter‑in‑place order was lifted early Wednesday morning.
Who is Daquhan Cromer?
Cromer fled the Calumet House transitional housing unit in December, according to the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. He had been on escape status since that time. The Department confirmed that Cromer was originally incarcerated for simple assault and is scheduled for release in October 2028.
In addition to the Salem investigation, Cromer faces a warrant in Massachusetts for aggravated assault on a child. Salem police also indicated he is wanted in connection with multiple felonies in the city.
Law‑enforcement response
The Massachusetts State Police, working with U.S. Marshals, located Cromer in Lowell and apprehended him without incident. Police did not release further details about the arrest location or the method of capture, citing ongoing investigative considerations.
Salem police praised the cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies, noting that the swift response helped protect the community and allowed schools to resume normal operations.
Impact on the community
Parents and residents expressed relief that the dangerous individual was now in custody. The incident highlighted the importance of coordinated public‑safety efforts and the need for vigilance when a suspect is deemed armed and dangerous.
School officials plan to review safety protocols and communicate any future alerts promptly to families. The Salem Police Department encourages anyone with additional information about the case to contact them directly.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
