New Hampshire Police Dress as Firefighters to Make Arrest

March 5, 2009
Newport officers dressed as firefighters and used a fire truck to enter the property.

NEWPORT, N.H. --

Police dressed as firefighters to arrest a man they said pointed a shotgun at an officer responding to a noise complaint earlier.

Newport police said an officer knocked on the door of Matthew Miller's Sunapee Street apartment at 10 p.m. Tuesday because of a noise complaint. The officer said that when Miller, 34, opened the door, he pointed a shotgun at the officer.

Police said the officer had no room to run, and it wasn't feasible to draw his weapon, so the officer talked Miller into placing the shotgun on the floor. The officer said he also saw other weapons and a 1-year-old child in the apartment. Because the officer didn't have backup, he left the area.

An investigation revealed that Miller was a convicted felon and had a history of violence.

Police obtained arrest and search warrants, and officers from other communities were called in to assist with Miller's arrest. Newport Fire was also called for medical support and to provide a cover for police.

Officers dressed as firefighters and used a fire truck to enter the property. A fire alarm was activated to evacuate other residents.

Police said Miller was seen at his window during the evacuation, and when he opened his door while carrying the baby, he was arrested without incident.

Miller was charged with criminal threatening and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was ordered held on $15,000 bail.

Police said they found a shotgun, pistol, rifle scopes, night vision equipment and body armor in Miller's apartment.

Copyright 2009 by wmur.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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