Man arrested after allegedly throwing fireworks at police serving warrant in New Hampshire

DURHAM, N.H. — A man was arrested after allegedly throwing fireworks at police officers who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Durham, New Hampshire.

At around 6 a.m., Durham police attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Denbow Road on 46-year-old Rory Robertson of Durham.

According to police, Robertson is a registered sex offender with outstanding warrants for breach of bail, violation of bail conditions and theft by unauthorized taking.

Police said Robertson left the residence in a vehicle, and an officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. Robertson allegedly fled before returning to his residence.

According to police, Robertson then aimed and discharged fireworks in the direction of law enforcement officers and a marked patrol car. Police said he also engaged in “escalating and confrontational behavior,” at one point creating a reason to believe he was pointing a firearm at officers.

At around 7:06 a.m., Durham police activated a shelter-in-place alert through cell phone notifications for residents in and around the Denbow Road area. The Strafford County Regional Tactical Operations Unit was also requested.

Police said Robertson continued to discharge fireworks toward officers, at one point nearly striking an officer with a large shell-style firework. The firework ultimately exploded underneath a police cruiser.

At around 8:06 a.m., Robertson exited the residence and walked directly toward police officers.

Officers deployed several PepperBall rounds before taking Robertson into custody. He was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.

Robertson was charged with theft by unauthorized taking, breach of bail, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, criminal threatening, reckless operation, resisting arrest, conduct involving laser pointing devices and disobeying an officer.

No officers were injured.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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