New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
August 20, 2018

Contact:
Peter Hinckley, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Cell (603) 657-4904
peter.hinckley@doj.nh.gov

Erin Fitzgerald, Attorney

Updated Information Regarding August 20, 2018 Officer-Involved Shooting in Rochester

Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald, New Hampshire Police Colonel Christopher J. Wagner, and Rochester Police Chief Paul Toussaint release additional details regarding the officer-involved shooting that took place earlier today in Rochester.

On August 15, 2018, Rochester Police issued an Officer Safety Briefing Form indicating that there was "credible information" that Douglas Heath, 38, was staying at a location in Rochester, "may be in possession of '3 firearms'" and that Mr. Heath "has no intention of going to jail." The briefing form indicated that Mr. Heath had several warrants including one for trafficking narcotics and one for fleeing from Maine State Police.

Shortly after 3:00 p.m. today police saw Mr. Heath's car. A short time later, a pursuit followed. At approximately 3:15 p.m., Mr. Heath's car crashed at the intersection of Oak Street and Route 125. Two Rochester Officers and two State Troopers were on scene. Mr. Heath exited his vehicle from the passenger side and an exchange of gun fire occurred. Mr. Heath was struck by gunfire and died at the scene. A gun was found near his body.

An autopsy will be performed by the Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval on Thursday August 23, 2018. No officers or private citizens were physically injured during the incident. The troopers and the officers were taken to a hospital where they were evaluated and released.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658