DURHAM – On Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the Durham Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant at 16 Denbow Road on Rory Robertson (age 46), of Durham.
Robertson , who is a registered sex offender, had outstanding warrants for Breach of Bail, Violation of Bail Conditions, and Theft by Unauthorized Taking. Robertson was aware of the active warrants and had been given several opportunities to turn himself in to local law enforcement.
As Robertson left the residence in a vehicle this (Monday) morning, a Durham police officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. Robertson fled from the officer and subsequently returned to the residence.
Once back at the residence, Robertson aimed and discharged fireworks in the direction of law enforcement officers and a marked patrol car. He also engaged in escalating and confrontational behavior, at one point creating a reasonable perception among officers that a firearm may have been aimed at them.
At approximately 7:06 a.m., the Durham Police Department activated a shelter-in-place alert via cell phone notifications to residents in and around the Denbow Road area.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, including Robertson, the Durham Police Department requested assistance from the Strafford County Regional Tactical Operations Unit (SCRTOU).
SCRTOU is a highly trained regional tactical team comprised of law enforcement and fire personnel from throughout Strafford County and responds to incidents requiring a specialized police response.
Robertson continued to discharge fireworks toward police officers, at one point nearly striking an officer with a large shell style firework. The firework ultimately exploded underneath a police cruiser. Throughout the incident, Robertson failed to comply with repeated commands from law enforcement.
At approximately 8:06 a.m., Robertson exited the residence and walked directly toward police officers. Officers deployed several PepperBall rounds, a less-lethal force option, striking Robertson.
Robertson was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was subsequently transported to the Strafford County House of Corrections, where he is being held pending arraignment. He was charged with the following crimes:
• Theft by Unauthorized Taking, Breach of Bail, Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threatening, Reckless Operation, Resisting Arrest, Conduct Involving Laser Pointing Devices and Disobeying an Officer.
No officers were injured.
The Durham Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the Strafford County Regional Tactical Operations Unit, New Hampshire State Police, Durham Fire Department, and McGregor Memorial EMS for their assistance and professionalism throughout this incident.