DOVER, N.H, – Authorities say a man has been charged in what’s being described as an “unprovoked” assault on a State Trooper.
According to a press release State Police say Thursday afternoon Jonathan G. Newcomb, 53, pulled up next to the trooper’s cruiser in a parking lot along Dover Point Road near Route 16, got out of his vehicle and became verbally aggressive towards the trooper.
As the man approached holding a metal pole, the trooper attempted to identify the man, who then started challenging the trooper, which led to the man punching the trooper, tearing his uniform and then attempted to grab the trooper’s gun.
Following the attack Newcomb was taken into custody and treated for minor injuries at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and is now facing a number of charges including, assaulting a police officer, criminal threating, and attempting to take a firearm from a member of law enforcement along with driving while intoxicated, stalking, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, theft and criminal mischief.
As for the un-identified trooper authorities say he was evaluated at Wentworth-Douglass as a precaution.
Following his arrest Newcomb was taken to Strafford County Jail ahead of his arraignment which was scheduled for Friday morning.
Law enforcement officials also note in the press release that the trooper was aided at the scene by members of the Dover Police and Fire Departments, and some good Samaritans.
