Crime Briefs: New Hampshire police shoot, kill man wanted for motor vehicle thefts
New Hampshire police shot and killed a 36-year-old man Friday who fled from authorities and reportedly drew a firearm when brought to the ground by a law enforcement K-9, authorities said in a statement.
Rochester, New Hampshire police were looking for Joseph Russell Thursday in connection with “multiple motor vehicle thefts” and found him Friday along with state police on Route 16 near Gooseberry Circle, according to a state attorney general statement. Russell, who police were informed had a firearm, abandoned the vehicle he was driving and fled into a residential area.
As local and state police spotted him walking in between residences, Russell again started running from the cops, according to authorities. Law enforcement agents said they pursued Russell and issued “several verbal commands to stop and surrender,” according to police.
A State Police trooper released their police dog, who brought Russell to the ground, according to police.
“When the K-9 brought Russell to the ground, law enforcement reported seeing Russell draw a firearm and two troopers fired bullets at Russell, who died at the scene,” police said in a statement.
Police did not identify the two troopers who shot at Russell “pursuant to protocol,” they said.
No one else was injured, according to police.
An autopsy was scheduled for Friday.
Human remains in Great Barrington identified
Human remains found Friday near a cemetery in Great Barrington were identified as a 47-year-old from the town, authorities said in a statement.
The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office said Sascha Cameron’s body was located about 20 feet into the woods surrounding the Mahaiwe Cemetery by a person walking their dog on the grounds of the property. Authorities have not yet determined a cause of death.
The body is in the possession of the state chief medical examiner, whose office is working to identify it, according to the Berkshire District Attorney’s office. There are no signs of foul play.