PLAINVILLE, CT (WFSB) -
Plainville police are searching for a man who they said could be armed and dangerous.
On Thursday night, police could be seen along Bradley Street, which is just off Route 72 in an attempt to locate Lawrence Bald Jr.
Police said the search began after Bald threatened to shoot his wife and then fled, forcing police to evacuate the area and putting neighbors on edge.
Armed with assault riffles, police officers made their way through the thick brush behind Bald's home.
"It's very thick," said Plainville Police Lt. Eric Peterson. "There were no signs of him there, but we used our K-9 and are following other leads."
Police said the incident began around 8 p.m. when Bald, who had been drinking all night, put the handgun up to his wife's head and threatened to shoot her.
She was able to make it out the front door, but police said Bald ran out the back with the gun.
Officers from four police departments and a SWAT team arrived and also utilized the Connecticut State Police Helicopter, Trooper 1.
Not knowing where Bald was, neighboring homes were evacuated.
William Perry said he was forced out of his home for six hours.
"He said we had to get out of the house," Perry said. "That was like 8 p.m. It was crazy."
Police said Bald is no stranger to them. That's why they has such a large presence searching for him. They said that not only was he carrying the gun, but he also has a lengthy past.
Bald, 46, has a number of prior arrests including domestic incidents.
Anyone with information about Bald's whereabouts is asked to call police.
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