Chaos erupted at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on Tuesday evening when an 18-year-old man opened fire, injuring three individuals. The suspect, Divaris Ojani Ruiz of Manchester, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree assault with a firearm and reckless conduct, according to the Hampton Police Department and reported by Boston 25 News.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. near 333 Ocean Boulevard. Ruiz allegedly fired five to six rounds from a moving black Ford Mustang with a shattered rear window. Officers pursued Ruiz for 30 miles, ending the chase in Deerfield. One victim, found hiding between parked cars, suffered a gunshot wound to the left foot, while two others were treated for injuries at Seabrook Emergency Room.
New Hampshire State Police, along with officers from Brentwood and Epping, continued the pursuit until Ruiz was cornered in Deerfield. Police Chief Gary Duquette of Deerfield stated that Ruiz initially attempted to flee on foot but was captured after a local resident helped police locate him.
Police recovered a 9mm semi-automatic Glock-style firearm from the Mustang Ruiz was driving. Witnesses reported seeing a group near the north bathhouses before the shooting. CBS News Boston reported that Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said the incident did not appear to be random, though the motive is still under investigation.
A juvenile was found in the car with Ruiz, and his mother later arrived to pick him up from the police station. Ruiz appeared in Hampton District Court today and was placed under "preventative detention" until his next court date on Wednesday next week, as reported by CBS News Boston. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
