Somersworth police expect arrest in road rage incident allegedly involving gunfire
SOMERSWORTH — Police are investigating a report of a road rage incident on Sunday that allegedly involved gunfire.
Capt. Matthew Duval said a potential suspect has been identified, and he expects charges to be brought forward soon.
"There are multi-state jurisdictions involved, New Hampshire and Maine, so we are working together," Duval said. "We have a good working relationship with Berwick, and we work together often. There are just a few pieces that have to happen as the laws are slightly different in the two states. We will provide an affidavit to Berwick on our end so they can obtain the search warrant."
According to the police report, on Sunday, July 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Somersworth police were dispatched to the area of Market Street near the Maine state line for a report of a road rage incident where shots had allegedlybeen fired.
"The initial incident actually began in Maine," said Duval. "Then the parties came over the bridge into Somersworth. The altercation was between two drivers, and it was alleged that shots were fired. No one was injured and at this point we do not believe the firearm was pointed at any person."
Police obtained a description of the suspect and their vehicle which, which reportedly had remained in the area for a short time. A be-on-the-lookout alert was sent to surrounding agencies, including in Maine.
At approximately 8:40 p.m., officers from the Berwick, Maine Police Department located the suspect'svehicle on Rochester Street in its town and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver, who was theperson of interest, police said, was detained and later released. The car was impounded pending a search warrant.
"Since the crime (the gun incident) happened in Somersworth, and we were still developing the information for the affidavit to send to Maine, the suspect was released," Duval said. "Once the search warrant happens, if the Maine police find anything, there will be a transfer of evidence back to New Hampshire, part of the chain of custody, and we will proceed from there."
Somersworth police ask anyone with information to contact the department directly at 603-692-3131. Anonymous tips can be reported by phone at 603-692-9111 or via somersworth.com/police/webforms/submit-tip.
"There is video footage of the downtown that shows there were quite a few people in the area," Duval said. "So we are looking for witnesses. We're also asking about any ring cameras or others that might be available."
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Somersworth police expect arrest in road rage with gunfire alleged
