Bedford Police Identify Officer Shot As Officer David Benway-Fongemie

BEDFORD, NH — The Bedford Police Officer injured in the shooting incident near a Bedford hotel Saturday morning has been identified as Officer David Benway-Fongemie, 24.

The officer graduated from the NH Police Academy in April 2024 and has been with Bedford Police since Sept. 9, 2024. Benway-Fongemie was released Saturday afternoon and is recovering at home from the gunshot wound to his leg, according to Bedford Police Chief Daniel Douidi.

"We are grateful that our officer was cleared to be released from the hospital," Chief Douidi said.

"We are very thankful that his injuries weren't life-threatening and that he's now at home recovering. We will continue to support him during this time."

The officer was shot and a suspect was injured in a struggle on South River Road Saturday morning.

Bedford police officers, on patrol at the time, observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by a man and woman parked in a lot adjacent to Country Inn & Suites on South River Road at 12:53 a.m.

The officers, including a K-9 officer, approached the vehicle and attempted to identify the operator. The driver, later identified as Jared Masseur, 40, of Nashua, was accused of exiting the car and fleeing the area on foot. The female remained in the vehicle and cooperated with officers.

The officers attempted to take Masseur into custody, but he resisted and began to fight the officers. During a struggle with the two officers, a gun discharged as Masseur reached for one officer’s holster and attempted to take the officer's service firearm. The officer's gun fired during the struggle, striking that officer in the leg.

The K-9 officer used a remote device to release K-9 Odin from his cruiser, who was deployed and assisted in taking the suspect into custody.

The wounded officer gained control of the weapon. Masseur was restrained and arrested by the two officers, including the wounded officer, who remained engaged in the struggle and ultimately assisted in handcuffing the suspect before accepting medical aid.

Medical aid was given to Benway-Fongemie who was suffering a gunshot wound from his Glock 9 mm service weapon. Bedford Fire transported him to the Elliot Hospital.

Masseur suffered injuries during the struggle, including bites from K-9 Odin. He was also transported to the hospital for medical treatment and has since been released to the custody of Bedford police.

40-year-old Masseur was last known to reside in Nasua. He was charged with Resisting Arrest or Detention, Felon in Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Attempting to take a Firearm from a Law Enforcement Officer, and Second-Degree Assault.

He also had warrants from Brentwood and Hillsboro police for felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of drugs.

Douidi called Masseur a “career criminal.” Douidi praised the professionalism and skills and for remaining calm during the incident.

Douidi said that all officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras, and the entire incident was recorded. Bedford police will use video footage for the investigation.

Masseur was arraigned held on preventative detention. He is being held at Hillsborough County House of Corrections until his next court date. The woman in the vehicle with the suspect is cooperating with police and is not facing any charges.

According to radio traffic, the vehicle was registered to a woman from Litchfield, and it is unknown if the owner was at the scene of the incident. Bailey Towing towed the 2008 Mountaineer from the scene to the Bedford police impound lot.

The construction site is adjacent to the hotel and abuts Interstate 293 and South River Road. It does not appear to have any direct association with the hotel; the scene is adjacent.

Bedford NH Patch will continue to provide updates on this breaking news situation.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news