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Late-Night Altercation at New Hampshire Diner Leads to Assault Charge Against Former Police Officer
In a dramatic turn of events, a late-night altercation at a diner in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has resulted in an assault charge against a former police officer, Aaron Goodwin, and arrest warrants for two others. The incident, which took place on the night of November 22, 2023, has sparked controversy and allegations of racism.
Details of the Incident
The confrontation at the diner escalated quickly, leading to a physical altercation involving Goodwin and several other individuals. Portsmouth Police officers were called to the scene and subsequently contacted state police after identifying Goodwin as a former member of their department. The exact sequence of events that transpired during the altercation remains unclear.
Racial Allegations and Denials
Following the incident, the victim, who is a Black New Hampshire resident, claimed that the attack was racially motivated. However, Goodwin has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that he was acting in defense of his sister-in-law. The NH BIPoC Coalition has condemned the incident as an unprovoked racist attack.
Response from Aaron Goodwin
Goodwin, who hails from Eliot, Maine, turned himself in to authorities on Friday. In a statement to Seacoastonline, he maintained that the altercation was not racially motivated and that he intervened to protect his family member. He emphasised that surveillance footage of the incident would corroborate his version of events.
Arrest Warrants Issued
Aside from Aaron Goodwin, arrest warrants have also been issued for Kevin Goodwin and Shannon Goodwin, both of Dundalk, Maryland. Kevin faces a simple assault charge, while Shannon faces three counts of simple assault. The relationship between the three individuals is not explicitly stated by law enforcement.
Past Controversy and Dismissal
Aaron Goodwin’s tenure as a police officer had previously been marred by controversy. In 2015, he was dismissed from the Portsmouth Police Department following a judge-led investigation into an inheritance dispute. The panel determined that Goodwin had breached the department’s code of ethics and failed to disclose a significant financial offer from an elderly woman.
As the investigation into the altercation at the diner unfolds, the community awaits further developments and a resolution to the charges brought against the individuals involved.
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