AG's office, State Police probe officer-involved shooting of suicidal subject

CONCORD - State and local safety officials continue to investigate an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on Saturday in Walpole.

Preliminary reports indicate that around 3:10 a.m., an officer from the New Hampshire State Police and an officer from the Walpole Police Department responded to 800 County Road in Walpole for a reported suicidal adult male identified as Jacob Gasbarro, 26, according to a press release from the Attorney Generals Office sent on Saturday.

A brief confrontation occurred outside of the residence between Gasbarro and the responding officers, during which the trooper discharged his weapon and wounded Gasbarro, officials say. The Walpole officer did not discharge his weapon.

Gasbarro was taken to a hospital and is being treated for his injuries.

No law enforcement officers or other private citizens were injured during the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the trooper's discharge of his weapon remains actively under investigation by the Attorney General's Office and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit. Per protocol, the names of the officers involved in this incident are being withheld pending each officer's formal interview. It is anticipated that the interviews will be completed during the coming week. Once the interviews are complete, the names of the officers will be released.

Neither of the officers were equipped with body cameras. There is no known video of this incident at this time. The Attorney General's role in an officer deadly force investigation is to determine if the officer's use of deadly force was justified under the law.

Whether Gasbarro will face any criminal liability for his conduct is within the Cheshire County Attorney's purview. Thus, the Cheshire County Attorney's Office will also be reviewing the circumstances of this incident to determine if criminal charges will be brought against Mr. Gasbarro in connection with the incident.