N.H. Attorney General Joseph A. Foster added that his office has “commenced a criminal investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding yesterday’s arrest of Richard Simone Jr.in Nashua, New Hampshire, to determine if the force utilized by any of the police officers violated any provisions of the criminal code”.
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News helicopter video of the police pursuit Wednesday showed Richard Simone, of Worcester, Massachusetts, stepping slowly out of his truck, kneeling and putting his hands on the ground before several officers rushed him. At least two officers are seen punching the man who does not appear to be resisting or threatening. He was wanted on multiple warrants for assault and battery with a unsafe weapon, larceny and failure to stop for police, Procopio said in a statement.
Meanwhile one New Hampshire Trooper and one MA trooper have been suspended after Democrat governor Maggie Hassan announced an investigation into the disturbing film. “All New Hampshire public safety officials are held to the highest standards”.
In New Hampshire, Col. Robert Quinn told reporters Thursday that his New Hampshire state trooper isn’t being paid.
Both MSP and the New Hampshire State Attorney General’s office have opened investigations into the arrest.
“We had troopers present at the end of the pursuit and we believe one of the officers involved on the actual apprehension is a member of our department”, he said.
Richard Simone, 50, was arraigned on a charge of fugitive from justice in the circuit court division in Nashua and held without bail.
After the arraignment, Sculimbrene would not say what medical treatment Simone may seek. The N.H. Attorney General said authorities will determine if the use of force violated any provisions of the criminal code.
At least six other officers, some with weapons drawn, circled Simone, who’d allegedly threatened to ram his truck into a police cruiser in Millbury, Massachusetts, on Sunday, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported.
One New Hampshire officer was “immediately relieved from duty”, a statement from the department read, calling Wednesday’s arrest “disturbing” but also cautioning observers to withhold judgment until their investigation into the arrest was complete. He got out and they were attacking him and I don’t know what he did. “We want to cooperate and collaborate in whatever way we can to make sure that this investigation in New Hampshire goes forward”.
Leary then asked Jones if Simone had a “clear enough” mind to waive extradition. The chase ended approximately 50 miles away in Nashua, New Hampshire.
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When Simone refused to stop, the Holden began to chase him, and a MA state trooper soon joined them. A news release from the AG’s office later Thursday said names of any officers involved would not be released until investigators have gathered more information into the level of force used on Simone.
