Felony Arrest/Standoff, Fitzwilliam, NH

On May 15, 2020 at approximately 0627 hours, the New Hampshire State Police responded to a residence on Templeton Turnpike in Fitzwilliam for a report of an individual who had threatened family members and was actively threatening to blow up his residence. The individual was identified as,

John RILEY
Age: 54
Fitzwilliam, NH

Troopers and local officers responded to the scene, established a perimeter, and attempted to initiate communication with Riley. When those attempts were unsuccessful, the New Hampshire State Police SWAT Team was activated and responded to the scene. One neighboring residence was evacuated during the initial response.

While on scene, troopers sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence in question as well as an arrest warrant for Mr. Riley charging him with Domestic Violence-Criminal Threatening (felony). After approximately 15 and a half hours of attempting communication with Mr. Riley, he surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. Mr. Riley was held without bail and will be arraigned on Monday May 18th in Cheshire County Superior Court.

The New Hampshire State Police would like to thank the Fitzwilliam Police Department, the Rindge Police Department, the Cheshire County Sheriff's Department, the Fitzwilliam Fire Department, and the DiLuzio Ambulance service for their assistance with this incident.

This matter remains under investigation at this time. Anyone that may have further information related to this incident is asked to please contact Trooper Kevin Pratt via Troop C dispatch at 603-223-8494 or email at, Kevin.Pratt@dos.nh.gov.