Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Late Night Altercation at Portsmouth Diner Leads to Assault Charge
Located in the charming coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a late-night altercation at a local diner has resulted in an assault charge against a former police officer and arrest warrants for two other individuals, authorities have confirmed.
Former Police Officer Denies Racial Motivation
The incident, which took place on the night of November 22, 2023, involved Aaron Goodwin, 45, of Eliot, Maine. Goodwin, who turned himself in on Friday, has denied allegations of racism, stating that he was acting in defense of his sister-in-law during the confrontation at the Portsmouth diner.
Upon the arrival of Portsmouth Police officers at the scene, Goodwin was identified as a former police officer, prompting the involvement of the New Hampshire State Police in the investigation. While details of the altercation were not disclosed in the news release, the victim has claimed that the incident was racially motivated.
Community Reacts to Alleged Racist Attack
The NH BIPoC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) Coalition has condemned the incident, viewing it as an unprovoked racist attack on a Black New Hampshire resident. The coalition expressed relief at the arrest of Aaron Goodwin, dispelling any doubts about the severity of the attack.
Goodwin defended his actions in the incident, stating that he intervened when he perceived the victim as a threat to his sister-in-law. He emphasised that the entire incident was captured on surveillance footage and refuted any claims of race-related charges.
Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Others
In addition to Aaron Goodwin, arrest warrants have been issued for Kevin Goodwin, 42, and Shannon Goodwin, 37, of Dundalk, Maryland. Kevin faces a simple assault charge, while Shannon faces three counts of simple assault. Phone listings for the individuals were unavailable for comment, and their relation to Aaron Goodwin was not disclosed by the police.
Past Controversy Involving Aaron Goodwin
Aaron Goodwin’s history includes his dismissal from the Portsmouth Police Department in 2015 following his involvement in a $2.7 million inheritance dispute. A judge-led panel determined that Goodwin breached the police department’s code of ethics and duty manual by accepting an elderly woman’s offer of inheritance without proper notification to his supervisors.
The panel concluded that Goodwin’s actions were self-serving, leading to the revocation of the inheritance. Goodwin’s past controversy has added a layer of complexity to the recent assault charge, raising questions about his conduct and character.
As the investigation into the late-night altercation at the Portsmouth diner continues, the community awaits further developments in this unfolding story.
.