East Kingston man denied bail after punching Exeter police officer

Joshua Horgan, 25, faces four misdemeanor charges after allegedly assaulting Officer Benjamin Clouthier during a hit-and-run investigation in Stratham, NH.

East Kingston man held without bail after assault on Exeter officer during hit-and-run probe

Joshua Horgan, 25, of East Kingston, was arraigned Wednesday at the 10th Circuit District Court in Brentwood on four class A misdemeanor charges — three counts of simple assault and one count of resisting arrest — seacoastonline.com reports.

The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 29, in which Horgan allegedly attacked Exeter police officer Benjamin Clouthier while Clouthier was investigating a reported hit-and-run near the Dunkin' on Portsmouth Ave. Exeter Police Chief Josh McCain identified Horgan as a suspect in that hit-and-run.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by Stratham Police Lt. David Pierce, Clouthier located Horgan just over the town line at 1 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham, as Horgan was leaving Convenient MD after being treated for an injury to his left hand. When Clouthier asked Horgan for identification, Horgan replied "maybe" and began walking away. Clouthier informed him he was being detained.

Horgan walked into his workplace at the Lindt Chocolate Factory Outlet, where coworkers told him he needed to speak with the officer. He then exited and said, according to the affidavit, "something to the effect of 'what do I have to do to get rid of you?'" followed by "something to the effect of 'I'm tired of you guys always bothering me.'"

Clouthier told police that Horgan, standing about arm's length away, then struck him with a closed right fist above his left eye. As the two went to the ground, Clouthier believed he was struck a second time and struck his head on the surface.

Stratham police officer Eric Knight was called to assist with what was described as an uncooperative individual in the parking lot behind Convenient MD. Upon arrival, Knight observed Clouthier "actively fighting with a male" and helped place Horgan into custody. Knight and Exeter officer Arthur Joseph then escorted Horgan to a nearby patrol vehicle; Horgan was "dead weight, refusing to walk," and had to be carried, the affidavit states.

Once seated, Horgan allegedly spat in Knight's face and on Joseph's person.

Clouthier was transported to Exeter Hospital with injuries to his face, jaw, and neck, and was released around 6:30 p.m. that day, according to Chief McCain. The Exeter Police Department stated in a press release that Clouthier was assisted in taking Horgan into custody by a Good Samaritan and the Stratham officer.

A judge denied bail for Horgan, citing probable cause that his release "will endanger the safety of the person or of any other person or the community." Horgan is being held at the Rockingham County Jail.

He is due back before the 10th Circuit District Court on Oct. 8 at 10:30 a.m. If convicted on all four counts, each misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Horgan's public defender could not be reached for comment.

Source: Google News JM — Kingston