NH man swallows drugs during shoplifting arrest
MANCHESTER NH Sept 10 2018 – Police say, while resisting arrest, a Massachusetts man swallowed several sedative pills.
On Tuesday afternoon Manchester police responded to Walmart after receiving a report of a theft in progress.
Upon arrival, the officer witnessed a loss prevention employee chasing after the suspect, later identified as Jeff Martel, 42, no fixed address. The employee directed the officer towards Martel on John Devine Drive near Gold Street.
The officer attempted to approach Martel but he took off on foot. Eventually, the officer was able to tackle the suspect to the ground but the struggle continued.
It was at this point police say, Martel ingested several pills the suspect would later admit were the sedative, Klonopin.
The suspect tried to strike the officer during the struggle and knocked a Taser out of the officer’s hand when the officer tried to stun him.
With the help of a bystander, the officer was finally able to detain the suspect.
He was charged with unarmed robbery, resisting arrest, possession of controlled drug, and falsifying physical evidence.
nh1.com
