Shoplifter sprays self with pepper spray after confrontation with security guard, bystanders

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Dupras
Dupras

MANCHESTER, NH – Nicolas Dupras, 37, of Manchester, got more than he bargained for after police say he tried to leave the Hannaford on John Divine Drive with more than $100 of stolen food concealed on his person.

On Sept. 30, Dupras was leaving the supermarket when loss prevention officer Holly Gage stopped him and questioned him about the items he didn’t pay for. Dupras threatened to “spray” Gage with pepper spray, so she backed away from him.

At the same time, two customers were on their way into the store when they noticed what was unfolding, and observed Dupras reach for something inside his waistband, which turned out to be pepper spray. The men, Devin Sullivan, 27, of Merrimack, and Nick Fiorentino, 26, of Litchfield,  intervened as Dupras continued to reach for something, although they did not know what it was when they grabbed him and brought him to the ground.

In the struggle, Dupras managed to empty a can of oleoresin capsicum, or OC pepper spray, but ultimately sprayed himself instead of the two men. Neither Sullivan nor Fiorentino were injured during the incident.

Manchester Police Officer Richard Ell was walking toward the entrance of the supermarket when the incident took place, and so he was able to secure Dupras in handcuffs until additional units arrived on scene.

Dupras was charged with robbery, but also was found to have two warrants from outside agencies. He was scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on October 3, 2016.

 

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!