MILLIS (CBS) – Police say a Millis officer has been fired after fabricating a story about exchanging gunfire with a suspect.

Millis Police Sergeant William Dwyer made the announcement at a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Police initially said that Wednesday at about 3 p.m. a suspect fired 2-3 shots at a police officer, who returned three shots of his own.

The cruiser burst into flames and eventually had to be towed from the scene.

But one day later, Dwyer said ballistic testing determined that the only bullets found at the scene belonged to the officer.

Dwyer said an investigation found the officer “fired shots at his own cruiser as a part of a plan to concoct a story that he was fired upon.”

Criminal charges are expected against the officer, who has not yet been identified.

The part-time officer, who is 24 years old, had worked with the department for just over a year, but he had not yet completed Police Academy. He previously worked as a dispatcher for the department.

Dwyer did not comment on potential motive behind the officer’s actions.

“I’m very upset and don’t know exactly how to feel right now except I’m concerned for the other members of the department,” Dwyer told reporters.

Two school threats were called in at Millis buildings before the Wednesday reported shooting. Dwyer said it remains unclear if the two incidents are connected.

Public schools were closed Thursday as a precaution.

Despite the officer’s actions, Dwyer said the community should still have faith in the department.

“The alleged actions of this officer should not reflect on the remainder of the Millis Police Department,” said Dwyer. “The other officers on this department are dedicated public servants and dedicated to the highest level of integrity. To their credit they undertook the difficult task of investigating one of their own and did so without bias.”

Many Millis residents are upset about the new development.

Sharon Jackson and Peggy Davie both sheltered in place on Wednesday.

“Really mad because officers are supposed to be the people you trust. To find out it was a hoax and to find out the state spent all that money or whomever,” Jackson said.

“Poor judgment and it’s going to affect the rest of his life,” Davie said.