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

At approximately 6:43 p.m., State Police dispatch received a 911 call regarding an erratic driver operating a white pick-up truck westbound on New Hampshire Route 101. Shortly before 7:00 p.m., a New Hampshire State Trooper saw the white pick-up truck stopped off Exit 6, southbound on Beede Road in Epping. The Trooper approached the stopped pick-up truck and thereafter an encounter ensued. During the encounter the Trooper discharged his weapon.

Walter Welch, Jr., age 40, the sole occupant of the pick-up, died at the scene. A gun was found in Mr. Welch's hand. An autopsy will be performed on Monday, October 1, 2018. The Trooper was not physically injured during the incident. The Trooper was evaluated at a local hospital and released.

There is no known video of the incident. State Police cruisers do not have video equipment and State Police officers do not have body cameras.

The exact circumstances surrounding the Trooper's discharge of his weapon remain under active investigation. Pursuant to protocols, the Trooper is on administrative leave and the name of the Trooper is being withheld pending his interview, which is expected to take place next week.

Any person who witnessed this incident is asked to contact Sgt. William Bright of the New Hampshire Police Major Crime Unit at (603) 271-3636.