Bystander aids officer knocked unconscious during arrest

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Cooper/MPD

MANCHESTER, NH — On July 22, 2017 at about 3:35 p.m. Officer Fred Gillis of the Community Policing unit was on patrol in the area of Lake Avenue and Union Street when he observed a subject who was wanted on an outstanding warrant.  Officer Gillis attempted to apprehend this subject, who was later identified as Stone Cooper, 18, of Manchester.  

Cooper fled despite Officer Gillis’ repeated orders to stop.  Officer Gillis caught up to Cooper after a brief foot chase and upon his attempt to detain him, both Gillis and Cooper fell to the ground.  Officer Gillis struck his head on the pavement, briefly losing consciousness.

A bystander observed this and immediately rushed to Officer Gillis’ aid.  The bystander, Steve Mannion of Manchester, approached Officer Gillis who was still attempting to hold on to Cooper.  Cooper was actively trying to break free of Officer Gillis.  Mannion communicated with Officer Gillis and retrieved his handcuffs and was able to assist Officer Gillis with handcuffing Cooper.  

Additional officers arrived on scene and took custody of Cooper.  Gillis was treated at a local hospital as a precaution.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!