A man has died in Manchester, New Hampshire, after investigators say officers in the city were forced to open fire on him after he threatened them with a gun and fired a shot during a struggle, the state’s attorney general said.
It happened just before 9am near Bridge and Ash Streets in Manchester
The attorney general’s office says it all started when an officer on patrol approached an adult male to talk to him.
“The male told the officer he was armed with a handgun, and the officer instructed him to keep his hands visible, but the male reached into his pocket for the firearm,” a statement from the attorney general’s office said. “A struggle ensued, during which the male fired what was later determined to be a handgun, and the officer returned fire. The adult male was struck by this gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.”
The man’s name has not been released and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday evening in Concord.
“The officer involved in this incident was wearing a body-worn camera, which captured the event,” the attorney general’s statement said. “That footage is currently being preserved and will be reviewed. The officer was not physically injured.”
Manchester police chief says it appears his officer, a 15-year veteran, was defending himself
“Quite honestly, he tried to kill my officer and that’s my worst thought, my worst nightmare. And thankfully my officer is going home to his family today,” Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg told me.
“I heard pop-pop-pop. I’m out painting and all of a sudden I see twelve to thirteen cops coming down the catwalk,” said Jim Chase from Manchester.
“I hear two shots, then I hear three shots. I think it’s fireworks. And then my grandson comes out and yells, ‘Come in here,'” added Michael Marchetti of Manchester.
“The investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit into this shooting is ongoing,” the attorney general said. “The identity of the officer who used deadly force will not be released until formal hearings take place, which is expected to occur within the next five to 10 business days. The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.”
Several roads, including Bridge and Beech Streets, were closed to the public. Video from the scene showed several police officers and emergency vehicles blocking the area, including officers from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
“Please stay out of the area while police work,” Manchester Police said in a social media post.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for notifications of the latest news.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twittering. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
