Probe into fatal officer-involved shooting continues in Keene

KEENE - An investigation continues into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Keene that occurred on Tuesday evening.

The incident unfolded in the aea of West Street and Gilbo Avenue when Keene Police Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop involving a male driver and female passenger.

Shortly after the stop the female exited the car and moved away, while the male remained inside, according to a statement from the Dept. of Safety on Wednesday. Officers learned that the male had a gun and later observed him with the firearm.

The area was thn secured, and a prolonged standoff ensued with the male refusing to disarm himself and exit the vehicle. Around 8 p.m. troopers of the New Hampshire State Police SWAT Unit were positioned around the car when gunfire erupted, with multiple gunshot rounds striking the Unit's armored vehicle and five troopers firing, according to police.

The adult male, identified as David Ward, 57, of Keene, was struck by gunfire and later pronounced deceased.

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell L. Weinberg conducted an autopsy of the victim's body on Wednesday and determined that the cause of his death was multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.

The officers who fired are members of the New Hampshire State Police. One armored vehicle was equipped with a vehicle camera which recorded the event. That footage is currently being preserved and will be reviewed. No officers were physically injured.

The investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit into this event is ongoing. Pursuant to protocol, the identities of the five troopers using deadly force are withheld pending the conclusion of formal interviews; this is expected to take place in the next five to ten business days. The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.