Jared Masseur, 40, of Nashua, was arrested on Jan. 4 following a physical altercation with Bedford Police that resulted in one officer being shot in the leg. Courtesy photo/Bedford Police Department

BEDFORD — Bedford Police Officer David Benway-Fongemie was reportedly shot in the early morning hours of Jan. 4 during a physical altercation with Jared Masseur, 40, of Nashua.

According to the Bedford Police Department, officers were on patrol at 12:53 a.m. when they came upon a “suspicious vehicle” parked near the Country Inn & Suites at 250 South River Rd.

The vehicle was said to be occupied by Masseur and an unidentified female passenger. The female was cooperative and remained in the vehicle; however, Masseur reportedly fled the scene on foot.

A short time later, Benway-Fongemie and another officer caught up with Masseur and attempted to take him into custody. As Masseur fought the officers, he allegedly reached for one of their guns causing it to discharge. As a result, one of the officers suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Despite the excruciating pain, Benway-Fongemie was able to regain control of the weapon and continued to restrain Masseur until he was in handcuffs. Bedford’s police dog Odin also assisted in the arrest.

Benway-Fongemie was treated at a hospital in Manchester. Masseur was treated at the scene and was taken to the hospital.

Masseur was held without bail and was scheduled to be arraigned in Merrimack District Court on Jan. 6.

He is charged with being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, attempting to take a firearm from a law enforcement officer and second-degree assault.

Under state law, if convicted, Masseur could face up to 49 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation and up to $16,000 in fines.

According to police, Masseur is wanted in other communities for drug possession and being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon.