Man shot, killed by police in Rochester identified as vehicle theft suspect, AG's office says
Investigators say Joseph Russell, 36, was shot after he went into a residential area in Rochester
Investigators say Joseph Russell, 36, was shot after he went into a residential area in Rochester
Investigators say Joseph Russell, 36, was shot after he went into a residential area in Rochester
A man who police were looking for in connection with multiple motor vehicle thefts was shot and killed by New Hampshire State Police troopers Friday night in Rochester, authorities said.
The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said Joseph Russell, 36, of Rochester, was shot after drawing a firearm when a state police K9 brought him to the ground.
Investigators said officers with the Rochester Police Department started looking for Russell on Thursday in connection with multiple motor vehicle thefts in both Rochester and Lebanon, Maine.
Based on witness statements, police said he was believed to be armed and dangerous.
On Friday, Rochester police were notified that Russell was seen driving in Rochester, and authorities said officers made contact with him on Route 16 in the area of Gooseberry Circle after he abandoned his vehicle.
"He ended up going off on foot into the wooded area that separates Route 16 and Gooseberry Circle," said attorney general Nicholas Chong Yen.
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When officers from Rochester Police and New Hampshire State Police spotted Russell walking between homes, they said he ran away again and ignored their commands to stop and surrender.
A state police K9 was then released and brought Russell to the ground.
At that point, officers reported seeing Russell pull out a firearm. Two troopers then fired at Russell.
Russell was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
According to the attorney general's office, no members of law enforcement were physically hurt during the incident, and there is no threat to the public. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting.
According to the autopsy, authorities said Russell died from multiple gunshot wounds and it has been ruled as a homicide.
The names of the troopers who fired at Russell will be released following formal interviews, which is standard protocol, investigators said.