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Former Police Officer Charged in Late-Night Diner Assault
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — 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 occurred on the night of November 22, 2023, has sparked controversy and allegations of racism.
Details of the Incident
According to the New Hampshire State Police, the confrontation at the diner led to Goodwin turning himself in on Friday. The victim claimed it was a racist attack, but Goodwin has denied these allegations, stating that he was acting in defense of his sister-in-law. When Portsmouth Police officers arrived at the scene, they identified Goodwin as a former member of their department and contacted state police for further investigation.
Response from the NH BIPoC Coalition
The NH BIPoC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) Coalition has condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked, racist attack on a Black New Hampshire resident. They view the incident as an attack on all people and communities of color. The Coalition expressed satisfaction with Goodwin’s arrest and stated that it dispelled any doubts about the severity of the attack.
Statements from Aaron Goodwin
In a statement to Seacoastonline, Goodwin explained his actions, saying that he perceived the victim as a threat to his sister-in-law. He claimed that he pulled the victim away from her and that the entire incident was captured on surveillance footage. Goodwin emphasized that after a four-month investigation, he was not charged with any racially motivated offenses.
Arrest Warrants Issued
In addition to Aaron Goodwin, arrest warrants have been issued for Kevin Goodwin and Shannon Goodwin of Dundalk, Maryland. Kevin faces a simple assault charge, while Shannon faces three counts of simple assault. Police have not disclosed the relationship between the three Goodwin individuals.
Background on Aaron Goodwin
Aaron Goodwin was previously fired from the Portsmouth Police Department in 2015 following an investigation into a $2.7 million inheritance dispute. A judge-led panel determined that Goodwin had breached the department’s code of ethics and duty manual by accepting an elderly woman’s offer to leave him her estate. The judge ruled that Goodwin’s actions were self-serving and stripped him of the inheritance.
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