Man sought by police in Salem taken into custody, police say
Man sought by police in Salem taken into custody, police say
A man who was the subject of a shelter-in-place notice in Salem on Tuesday night has been taken into custody, police confirmed Wednesday.
Police said he was captured in Lowell, Massachusetts, by Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals.
Some schools in Salem were taking extra safety precautions Wednesday because of the ongoing search for Daquhan Cromer, of South Carolina, who was considered armed and dangerous.
The Department of Corrections confirmed to News 9 that Cromer fled from the Calumet House transitional housing unit in December. He had been on escape status since then.
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Cromer was originally incarcerated for simple assault and had a maximum release date of October 2028. Salem police said he is wanted in connection with multiple felonies in that town.
"For the last several weeks or so, we became aware that Cromer was frequenting the same area," said Salem Deputy Chief Jason Smith. "And we were aware that he had a felony warrant out of Mass. for assaulting a child. And he was in escape status out of the state prison with a warrant from the Department of Corrections. We began an investigation at a residence that he kept frequenting."
On Tuesday night, Salem police had a warrant to search that home, but they said Cromer ran away with a different man who police said had a handgun.
Police said the two split up, and Cromer got into a car, hit a police cruiser and almost ran down officers. Salem police said Cromer then led them on a brief car chase, something he's accused of also doing in 2019.
"Back in 2019, he was located at a motel here in Salem," said Salem Lt. Robert Kirley. "And upon seeing us, he fled and again led us on a pursuit. It seems to be his M.O."
Officials said he crashed the car and continued on foot. Police said they were able to track Cromer to a home in Lowell, partly because of posts he made to Facebook.
Salem police said there will be charges in New Hampshire for Cromer and likely those who helped him.
"We are well aware there are a number of individuals who have provided him material assistance and support during the time he's been a fugitive, and we're actively investigating that," Smith said.
Salem police put out a shelter-in-place notice Tuesday night for the Millville and Taylor streets area. During that time, the Salem School District said three of its schools were placed on lockdown.
The district said students remained inside until there was official authorization from Salem police to release them to their parents. The shelter-in-place was lifted early Wednesday morning.
Salem police said Cromer also has a warrant out of Massachusetts for aggravated assault on a child.