Wanted NH Man Nearly Ran Over Officers; Shots Fired: Police

MANCHESTER, NH — A wanted Manchester man intentionally drove his Jeep at a group of police officers Thursday night, forcing the officers to open fire, according to police. Justin McInnes, 29, was not hit by bullets but his vehicle failed and he was arrested, according to Manchester Police Lieutenant Brian O’Keefe. McInnes was charged with three counts of attempted murder and held in custody pending an arraignment Friday.

O'Keefe said the officers were staking out an apartment building at about 9 p.m. as they searched for McInnes, who was wanted on warrants for allegedly hitting another driver with his vehicle and running from police.

"(The officers) watched McInnes exit the apartment building," O'Keefe said in a statement. "The officers identified themselves and ordered McInnes to show his hands. McInnes allegedly refused to comply as he entered a vehicle and accelerated rapidly toward the officers who ordered him to stop. Officers fired upon the fast moving vehicle as they narrowly escaped being struck by the 2007 Jeep Cherokee."

O'Keefe added, "McInnes drove toward Main Street before his vehicle failed and officers were able to take him into custody. McInnes sustained non-life threatening injuries most likely caused by broken glass and other shrapnel from his vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital but released a short time later and processed at police headquarters."

McInnes was scheduled to appear in Hillsborough County Superior Court to answer to the attempted murder charges. He was also charged with being a felon in possession of a gun.

Photo credit: Manchester Police Department