This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Adds statement from Senate President Chuck Morse at the end of release.
UPDATE:
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announces additional information regarding the officer-involved shooting incident that took place on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, in Dalton, New Hampshire. During that incident, a New Hampshire State Police Trooper was wounded by gunfire and an adult male, Mark R. Clermont (age 45) of Whitefield, New Hampshire, was killed.
Earlier today, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg conducted an autopsy on Mr. Clermont, and determined that his cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of his death is homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain actively under investigation.
The Trooper remains hospitalized where he is being treated for gunshot wounds and is in critical, but stable condition. No further information will be released until after the involved Trooper’s formal interview is completed.
Attorney General News release
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announces additional information regarding an officer-involved shooting incident that took place in Dalton, New Hampshire on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, a New Hampshire State Police Trooper stopped a vehicle on Bridge Hill Road in Dalton. Shortly after the motor vehicle stop, there was an exchange of gunfire between the Trooper and the sole male occupant of the stopped vehicle.
Responding officers found the male driver deceased at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. That deceased male was armed with a rifle and a handgun. The Trooper was found alive, with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of his wounds, where he remains in stable condition.
An autopsy is scheduled for later today to determine the deceased male’s cause and manner of death, and to confirm his identity.
No other law enforcement officers or private citizens were physically injured during the incident. There is no threat to the public. Pursuant to protocol, the name of the Trooper involved in the incident is being withheld pending the conclusion of a formal interview.
The involved Trooper did not have a police body camera or cruiser camera.
It is expected that additional information will be released after the autopsy today.
Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) issued the following statement today:
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every day, so I am always deeply concerned whenever one of them is injured. My thoughts and prayers go out to the state trooper wounded in Dalton and his family. We all wish for his speedy recovery.”