HAMPSTEAD, NH — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has determined that two Hampstead police officers were justified in using deadly force during a 2024 standoff with an armed man.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 18, 2024, when officers responded to a residence on Oldham Road for a report of a person suffering from a mental health crisis.
Robert Boulter was believed to be highly intoxicated and armed with a gun, according to a press release issued by the Hampstead Police Department.
Prior to officers arriving, Boulter had made suicidal and homicidal statements.
Officers arrived on scene and began setting up a perimeter while awaiting the arrival of additional officers from neighboring police departments.
While securing the scene, officers heard a gunshot go off inside the house.
Boulter opened his front door and let his German Shepherd out, which charged at officers.
A short time later, Boulter exited his house armed with a tactical rifle on his front porch.
A fully marked Danville cruiser arrived on scene, pulling into the adjacent cul-de-sac on Peaslee Court.
Boulter moved across his farmer’s porch and aimed his rifle at the Danville officer.
Hampstead officers pleaded with Boulter to drop the rifle.
Doorbell footage later revealed that Boulter pulled the trigger, but the rifle did not fire because he had not racked a round, despite the weapon having a loaded magazine.
Deputy Chief Dyer and Detective Randell fired their patrol rifles from more than 200 feet away, from two different locations.
Boulter was struck in the arm and retreated into the house.
Shortly thereafter, Boulter exited the house, complied with lawful orders and was taken into custody.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures, and Boulter was transported to the hospital and survived his injuries.
Boulter’s criminal conduct was investigated by New Hampshire State Police.
Based on officer statements, officer body worn camera footage and surveillance footage from Boulter’s doorbell camera, he was arrested and successfully prosecuted.
As part of a negotiated guilty plea, Boulter was sentenced to prison in April of last year.
The Attorney General’s Office released its official findings, concluding that both Hampstead officers were justified in the use of deadly force.
