“Shortly before 8 AM today Massachusetts State Police deployed numerous personnel and units, along with local police, to search for a suspect who shot a victim multiple times in West Hartford last night. Information obtained by West Hartford Police placed the suspect in the Blandford/Russell area.
The suspect is identified as DARNELL BARNES, 22, a black male, approximately 5’5” tall with a slender build. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.
Troopers located the vehicle that BARNES was driving, a black Nissan Pathfinder with New Mexico plates, on the west side of the Massachusetts in Turnpike, near Mile Marker 31.6, in Blandford.
The Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations Team made an approach to the vehicle and determined that BARNES was not inside it. No firearms were recovered from the vehicle. The search for the suspect is ongoing and involves patrols, K9 teams, tactical units, and the State Police Drone Unit. The search area includes heavily wooded locations.
Residents of the Blandford and Russell are urged to take precautions such as remaining inside if possible keeping their doors locked, being aware of their surroundings, and calling 911 if they see suspect DARNELL BARNES or anyone/anything suspicious.
Two photos of DARNELL BARNES are attached. Anyone with information about BARNES or who sees him is urged to call 911 immediately.
BARNES is believed to be from Hartford and previously lived in Bristol, Conn.” -Massachusetts State Police.