Attorney General John M. Formella announces the following update on the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred yesterday evening in the area of West Street and Gilbo Avenue in Keene, New Hampshire.
Keene Police Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop yesterday afternoon with an adult male driver and adult female passenger inside the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the female exited the car and moved away, while the male remained inside. Officers were informed that the male had a gun and later observed him with the firearm. The area was secured, and a prolonged standoff ensued with the male refusing to disarm himself and exit the vehicle. Around 8:00 P.M., troopers of the New Hampshire State Police SWAT Unit were in a position around the car when there was gunfire, with multiple gunshot rounds striking the Unit’s armored vehicle and five troopers firing. The adult male was struck by this gunfire and later pronounced deceased.
The adult male involved in the officer-involved shooting has been identified as David Ward, age 57, of Keene, New Hampshire. Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell L. Weinberg conducted an autopsy of Mr. Ward’s body today. Dr. Weinberg determined that the cause of his death was multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.
The officers who fired were members of the New Hampshire State Police. One armored vehicle was equipped with a vehicle camera which recorded the event. That footage is currently being preserved and will be reviewed. The officers were not physically injured.
The investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit into this event is ongoing. Pursuant to protocol, the identities of the five troopers using deadly force are withheld pending the conclusion of formal interviews; this is expected to take place in the next five to ten business days. The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.