DURHAM – On Saturday, May 13th, 2023, the Durham Police Department, Durham Fire Department, and McGregor Memorial EMS responded to 35 Oyster River Road, Durham, NH, for a report of a 29-year-old man who was reporting he may have been exposed to a toxic chemical.
An investigation by the Durham Police Department revealed that EMAD MUSTAFA (DOB: 07-17-1993) of 35 Oyster River Road, Durham, was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital where he was subsequently treated and released on the same day.
On May 23rd, 2023, under the direction of the Strafford County Attorney’s Office, the Durham Police Department, Durham Fire Department, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, federal partners, and the Seacoast Technical Assistance Response Team (START), executed a search warrant at Mustafa’s residence. Mustafa was arrested for Reckless Conduct with a deadly weapon, and Improper Disposal of Hazardous Materials. Both charges are class B felonies and carry a maximum of seven years in prison.
START is a regional hazardous materials team that falls under the leadership of the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District. Several seacoast area towns make up the 40 member team. Due to the nature of the event, the Southeastern New Hampshire Hazardous Material Mutual Aid District, was called to assist START as well.
The health and safety of the community was the priority during this investigation and at no time was there a safety concern for the community or surrounding neighbors. The hazardous material was identified and contained during the operation and there is no public safety hazard known at this time.
Mustafa is a UNH Ph.D. student. He is scheduled for arraignment at the Strafford County Superior Court on June 22, 2023. The Strafford County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case and any further inquiries should be directed to their office.