MANCHESTER, NH –Ira Cohen, 64, of 1265 Bodwell Rd., has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault in connection with the shooting on Hanover Street April 16, which left a man in serious condition with two gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Manchester Police Capt. James Soucy said that at about 7 a.m. police responded to reports of a shooting near Maple and Hanover streets. Witnesses reported an altercation took place in the middle of the street after two men exited their vehicles and began arguing.
Witnesses further reported hearing several gunshots and noticed one man on the ground.
Manchester Police Officer Michael McGee arrived on scene within minutes and immediately detained Cohen.
Mason Pereira, 24, was identified as the victim. He was found by police in the street suffering from what appeared to be several gunshot wounds. Soucy confirmed he was shot twice. Pereira was taken to the Elliot Hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious condition, police said.
A handgun was recovered by police from the scene and Cohen was taken into custody and charged.
Soucy said it is not clear at this time what initiated the confrontation or shooting. He would not confirm whether road rage was a factor, and said detectives were still sorting out the facts.
According to a statement released by Londonderry School District, Cohen had been on leave from a custodial job for the district since January. In light of the arrest, they said he would not be returning, pending the legal outcome.
The statement read in part, “As always, the top priority of Londonderry School District is the safety and welfare of our students.”
Anyone with information should contact police at 668-8711, or the Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040.
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