MANCHESTER, NH — A city man was arrested after a series of events that began with him cursing out two bike patrol officers.
Manchester Bicycle Officers Warren Tanner and Ryan White were patrolling Veteran’s Park around 2 p.m. Aug. 9 when they observed a man walking on Elm Street yelling profanities at the officers as they approached his location.
The officers stopped Dennis Burke, 49, no fixed address, as he sat on a bench in front of the park. The officers advised him that the use of profanities in a public setting could cause him to be arrested. Burke continued to swear at the officers as an unknown individual walked up to Burke and handed him a 25-ounce beer. The man immediately walked away while Burke reached for the beer in an attempt to open it.
Both officers told Burke that he would be issued a summons if he opened the beer. Burke argued with them and opened the beer, so Officer Tanner got off his bicycle and attempted to take the beer off the bench. Burke allegedly stood up, clenched his fists and repeatedly refused to move away from the officer. Burke ultimately pushed Officer Tanner in his chest, which prompted Officer Tanner to push him away from him. Burke fell to the ground as he tripped over the bench, so Officer White and Officer Fred Gillis attempted to handcuff Burke, but he continued to resist by placing his hands underneath his body.
Burke was ultimately restrained and transported to police headquarters where he continued with his non-compliant behavior. Burke refused to follow booking protocol and challenged Officer White as he attempted to remove a string from Burke’s pants pocket. Burke clenched his fists and attempted to fight with Officer White. The officer immediately grabbed hold of his clenched fist in an attempt to avoid a physical confrontation, but Burke continued to struggle with the officer. He immediately took him to the ground to gain control of his hands, but Burke continued to fight with him. Burke refused to comply so the officer deployed his taser. Burke was placed into handcuffs inside of the booking area and transported to Hillsborough County Corrections.
Burke is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on August 10, 2016. He was charged with two counts simple assault, resisting arrest, obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct.
