Policeman Killed, House Explodes in New Hampshire

A policeman responding to a domestic disturbance in New Hampshire was shot and killed before the house exploded.

Steven Arkell was called to the Brentwood home of 86-year old Walter Nolan to quell a dispute. When the 48 year-old officer reached the home, he was allegedly shot to death by the homeowner’s son, Michael Nolan. Other officers responding to the call were driven away from the scene by gunfire.

The fire started at 4 p.m., which authorities say was set by Nolan. Firefighters responding to the blaze were kept away from the structure by police. Ninety minutes later, an explosion blew off the front of the home.

Pauline Raiche, who lives in the neighborhood, reported live, “Oh my God, the house just blew up. The whole thing is gone and the fire is awful.”

Susan Hughes, a neighbor of the Nolan’s, told reporters she heard a rapid burst of gunshots when Arkell arrived.

Michael Nolan’s wife died of cancer in 2008 and the father also recently lost his spouse.

The 47-year-old Nolan is believed to have died in the fire and explosion. Police removed the elderly man in handcuffs. A third person was taken to the hospital, according to initial reports.

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2014/05/

nh_neighbors_detail_chaos_at_fatal_cop_shooting_blast

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/12/explosion-nh-shooting/9019751

http://www.wmur.com/news/officer-shot-killed-at-brentwood-home-later-consumed-by-

fire/25939636

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/05/13/police-officer-killed-shooting-before-

home-explosion/vHEA72bexTROhh0QSXWN8M/story.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/13/usa-newhampshire-blast-

idUSL1N0NZ0A620140513