KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire State Police Capt. Vincent Grieco provided an update Friday afternoon on the extensive law enforcement operation that ended with the arrest of Patrick Allen Boyer, 39, of Nelson, following a search that stretched from Wednesday into Friday morning.

Speaking to reporters at the New Hampshire State Police Troop C barracks in Keene, Grieco outlined the investigation, the pursuit and subsequent search for Boyer, as well as the coordinated effort that ultimately led to his arrest.

Grieco said the investigation began Thursday with a report of an assault. Detectives became involved, and the investigation resulted in a felony arrest warrant for Boyer. Area law enforcement agencies were notified as authorities worked to locate him.

Boyer was spotted Thursday and became involved in a vehicle pursuit between Keene and Stoddard. Police eventually terminated the pursuit because of safety concerns, including the speed and alleged reckless operation of the vehicle, as well as construction activity in the Route 9 area.

The decision to end the pursuit did not bring the operation to a close.

Police continued searching and located Boyer’s vehicle in Stoddard. Authorities said Boyer abandoned the vehicle and fled into a wooded area.

Grieco said Boyer allegedly stole two vehicles during the broader incident and fled from police on foot multiple times. One of the stolen vehicles was eventually located abandoned at Riverside Plaza on Winchester Street in Keene.

Authorities had warned residents that Boyer could be armed. During Friday’s press conference, Grieco declined to say whether investigators had evidence that Boyer actually possessed a weapon.

As the search continued Thursday evening, police issued an emergency alert to residents of Nelson and Stoddard and closed part of Route 9. Grieco explained that the alerts did not come immediately when the search began because law enforcement was “not initially aware of all the circumstances.”

The search continued overnight with assistance from numerous local, county and state agencies, including ground units and the New Hampshire State Police helicopter. Information provided by members of the public also helped investigators track Boyer’s movements.

By Friday morning, authorities had determined that Boyer was in Keene. Shortly before 8:30 a.m., police issued a “be on the lookout” alert for a blue GMC Sierra pickup reported stolen from the Old Concord Road area that Boyer was believed to have been driving.

The developing situation prompted a shelter-in-place advisory for portions of northeast Keene, including areas around Upper Washington Street, Concord Road, Jordan Road, Nims Road, Sullivan Street and Rule Street.

Route 9 was also closed between Route 10 in Keene and the Sullivan Country Store as police conducted their search.

The operation affected local schools as well. All schools within SAU 29 operated under emergency procedures Friday morning as a precaution. SAU 29 encompasses Chesterfield, Harrisville, Keene, Marlborough, Marlow, Nelson and Westmoreland. Superintendent Robb Malay said the emergency procedures were lifted shortly before 9:30 a.m., with schools returning to normal operations.

Boyer was ultimately arrested Friday morning at Riverside Plaza in Keene following coordinated action by Keene police and State Police. Grieco said two state troopers and a Keene police officer were involved in the contact that resulted in Boyer’s apprehension.

The shelter-in-place advisory was subsequently lifted, and roads closed during the search reopened.

Grieco said Boyer is expected to face multiple felony charges connected to the alleged assault and his conduct during the ensuing events. Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.

Officials said there were no reported injuries to members of the public, law enforcement officers or Boyer during the search and apprehension.

Grieco credited the coordinated response among local, county and state agencies, as well as information provided by members of the public, with helping bring the search to an end.