MANCHESTER, NH – A Concord man who was intoxicated when he entered the Elliot Hospital emergency room was arrested Aug. 25 after he allegedly punched a police officer who was trying to calm him down.
According to a police narrative, Officer Edward Devereaux was working a security detail at the Elliot Hospital when Stephen Simpson, 35, of Concord, began to cause a “disturbance.” Police noted Simpson appeared “highly intoxicated” at the time.
Officer Devereaux assisted hospital security on several occasions in an attempt to quell Simpson’s disorderly behavior, which included yelling, swearing and causing a disturbance as hospital staff continued working in a busy emergency department.
Officer Devereaux entered the room where Simpson was waiting several times between 8 and 9 p.m. and each time had brief success keeping him in check. However, at 9 p.m. Simpson became aggressive toward a security staff member and made multiple derogatory remarks toward her.
Simpson allegedly clenched his fists and took an aggressive stance toward the security officer, so Officer Devereaux stepped in and told Simpson to cease his disorderly behavior. Simpson allegedly punched the officer with a clenched fist and engaged in a brief confrontation. Simpson allegedly scratched the officer’s face while being placed into handcuffs causing two minor lacerations to the officer’s left cheek. Simpson failed to comply with the arrest and was ultimately charged with simple assault (on a police officer); disorderly conduct and resisting arrest/detention. He was medically cleared and transported to police headquarters.
Simpson was scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on August 26.
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