Robbery suspect killed by police during confrontation with officers, K9 unit

Jake Chiaradonna (Police mugshot)

MANCHESTER - The suspect in a Manchester robbery was shot and killed by police on Friday after he assaulted a police dog twice during multiple confrontations with officers who were attempting to arrest him.

Police first got involved on Friday morning when they told to be on the lookout for Jake Chiaradonna, 35, who was wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred on Thursday.

Around 9:30 a.m. Manchester Police Officers responded to the area of Pine and Plummer streets and observed a suspicious male, prompting a pursued that led them to a stolen vehicle where Chiaradonna was hiding.

Chiaradonna refused commands to exit the vehicle, but after a time, he opened the vehicle door, but refused to be placed in custody, according to a statement released on Friday by the Dept. of Safety.

During this refusal, Manchester officers utilized less-lethal force, which was unsuccessful at subduing Chiaradonna. This included deploying a police dog, whom Chiaradonna stabbed with a screwdriver. Chiaradonna then fled on foot while pursued by officers and the K-9. Chiaradonna then assaulted the K-9 and confronted officers around the side of a building.

During this second confrontation, one officer used deadly force and fired on Chiaradonna, who was struck by this gunfire, and taken to a local hospital where he died several hours later. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.

The K-9 was taken to a veterinarian where it was treated for its wound and later released.

The investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit into the officer-involved shooting of Chiaradonna is ongoing, and the identity of the officer using deadly force will not be disclosed until a formal interview takes place. This is expected to occur sometime next week.