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Late-Night Altercation at New Hampshire Diner Leads to Charges Against Former Police Officer and Two Others
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — In a late-night altercation at a diner in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a former police officer, Aaron Goodwin, 45, of Eliot, Maine, turned himself in on Friday following assault charges, authorities reported. The incident, which took place on the night of Nov. 22, 2023, has stirred controversy, with the victim alleging a racist attack and the officer denying any racial motivation.
Disputed Accounts of the Incident
According to a news release by the New Hampshire State Police, the altercation at the diner prompted a response from Portsmouth Police officers, who later contacted state police upon identifying Goodwin as a former member of their department. The exact details of the incident remain unclear, as no specific information has been provided by authorities.
Allegations of Racism
The NH BIPoC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) Coalition has condemned the incident as an unprovoked racist attack on a Black New Hampshire resident. They perceive it as an assault on all individuals and communities of color. The coalition expressed satisfaction with Goodwin’s arrest, dispelling any doubts raised regarding the severity of the attack.
Statements from Aaron Goodwin
In a prepared statement quoted by Seacoastonline, Goodwin asserted that the altercation was not racially motivated. He claimed to have acted in defense of his sister-in-law, stating that he intervened when the victim allegedly posed a threat by getting in her face. Goodwin emphasized that surveillance footage of the incident supports his account and refutes any claims of racial bias.
Arrest Warrants for Two Others
Arrest warrants have been issued for Kevin Goodwin, 42, and Shannon Goodwin, 37, of Dundalk, Maryland. Kevin faces a simple assault charge, while Shannon faces three counts of simple assault. Contact information for the two individuals was not readily available, and their relation to Aaron Goodwin remains unspecified.
Past Controversy Involving Aaron Goodwin
Aaron Goodwin’s tenure with the Portsmouth Police Department ended in 2015 following a disciplinary investigation related to a $2.7 million inheritance dispute. A judicial panel determined that Goodwin had violated the department’s code of ethics and duty manual by accepting an elderly woman’s offer of inheritance, leading to his dismissal from the force.
The Associated Press
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