CHARLESTOWN — A 23-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot by a Charlestown police officer, who alleged the suspect caused a high-speed pursuit before fleeing on foot and brandishing a knife, according to a news release from New Hampshire State Police.
Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, a Charlestown police officer attempted to stop a speeding motor vehicle that did not have a license plate, according to the release. The driver, identified as Christian Paquette, sped away and the subsequent pursuit reached speeds of 90 miles per hour, authorities said.
Paquette eventually pulled over and fled on foot, police said. The Charlestown officer gave chase and found Paquette holding a knife in the area of 60 Caryl Lane, according to the release.
“Paquette refused to drop the weapon and came towards the officer,” the news release stated. “During subsequent interaction, the officer used deadly force and fired his weapon. “
Paquette was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital, the release said. It did not specify the extent of his injuries nor which hospital he was transported to, but said he remained hospitalized on Saturday in stable condition.
There were no other occupants in his vehicle, police said. Paquette has been charged with multiple offenses, the release states without offering specifics.
The officer was wearing a body camera at the time of the shooting, and it recorded the moments immediately before, during and following the shooting, according to the news release. The identity of the officer will not be disclosed until a formal interview takes place, which takes up to two weeks.
The investigation into the shooting by the New Hampshire Department of Justice remains ongoing and includes the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit.