KEENE — A 57-year-old Keene man died in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday evening following a prolonged standoff that began with a traffic stop, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced.
David Ward was pronounced dead after being struck by gunfire from five New Hampshire State Police SWAT troopers around 8 p.m. in the area of West Street and Gilbo Avenue.
The incident began Tuesday afternoon when Keene police officers conducted a motor vehicle stop with Ward and an adult female passenger.
The female passenger exited the vehicle and moved away while Ward remained inside.
Officers were informed that Ward had a gun and later observed him with the firearm.
The area was secured and a standoff ensued with Ward refusing to disarm himself and exit the vehicle.
Around 8 p.m., New Hampshire State Police SWAT troopers positioned around the car came under gunfire, with multiple gunshot rounds striking the unit’s armored vehicle.
Five troopers returned fire, striking Ward.
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell L. Weinberg conducted an autopsy Wednesday and determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
The manner of death was ruled homicide, defined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as the killing of one person by another.
One armored vehicle equipped with a camera recorded the event, and the footage is being preserved for review.
No officers were physically injured in the incident.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice is investigating with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit.
The identities of the five troopers who used deadly force are being withheld pending formal interviews expected within five to ten business days.
