Story Archive

Ready, Fire, Aim

New Hampshire State Police say the incident began when one driver cut off another as they were going through a toll plaza in Hooksett. “I believe there was gesturing between the two of them,” notes Sgt. Charles Johnston. Then, investigators say, Nicholas Richer, 18, pulled out a flare gun, pointed it at the other driver, and fired. But the gun didn’t go off until he pulled the gun back into his car. The flare ended up inside his own car, and “caught the right passenger’s front seat on fire,” Johnston said. A passenger, only described as a “youth,” was sitting in that seat, and narrowly missed being hit. The other driver called 911, and a state trooper caught up with Richer at a gas station. He was arrested and charged with reckless conduct and criminal threatening, both felonies. (MS/WMUR Manchester) ...While the youth in the passenger seat was offered a change of pants.