A fatal police-involved shooting in Manchester, New Hampshire, has left one man dead earlier today after an altercation involving a firearm, as reported by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office. The incident took place in the area of Bridge and Ash Streets and began when an officer approached a man to speak with him around 9 a.m.
The situation escalated quickly when the man informed the officer that he was carrying a gun. According to the Attorney General's office, "The male informed the officer that he was armed with a gun, and the officer instructed him to then keep his hands visible, however, the male reached into his pocket for the firearm." This statement was obtained by Boston 25 News. A struggle ensued, during which the man reportedly discharged his weapon leading the officer to return fire and fatally wound him.
The unidentified man was taken to a local hospital following the shooting and was later pronounced dead. An autopsy has been scheduled to further investigate the cause of death. As standard procedure, the identity of the deceased will be released after the autopsy and notification of the next of kin.
Of relevance to the ongoing investigation, the officer's body-worn camera was active and recording during the incident. According to the attorney general's statement to NBC Boston, "The officer involved in the incident was wearing a body-worn camera, which recorded the event." This footage is currently being preserved for review. Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, the officer involved did not sustain physical injuries.
Further details will remain scarce until formal interviews with the officer involved are conducted, a process expected to take between five to ten business days. The Attorney General's Office has underscored that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. As the scene of the shooting remained cordoned off for the investigation, Manchester police warned the public to steer clear of Bridge and Beech Streets, as their social media post cautioned, "Please stay out of the area as police work," according to the Boston 25 News. This development story continues to unfold as more information becomes available.
