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NH AG: Officer Shoots Driver After High-Speed Chase in Charlestown

Authorities say the 23-year-old advanced with a knife during a foot pursuit, with investigators now reviewing body-camera video.

Overview

  • The Attorney General's Office says a Charlestown officer tried to stop a speeding, unplated vehicle around 8:30 p.m. Friday when the driver refused to pull over.
  • A pursuit ensued on Claremont Road with speeds estimated up to 90 mph before the vehicle stopped and the driver fled on foot.
  • Officials identify the driver as Christian Paquette, 23, who was seen holding a knife, refused to drop it, moved toward the officer, and was then shot.
  • Paquette was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition, while the officer was not physically injured and no one else was in the vehicle.
  • Charlestown police have charged Paquette, the officer’s body camera recorded the encounter, and state authorities say the investigation remains active with the officer’s name withheld pending a formal interview in 5–10 business days.