NH Trooper Shot Multiple Times Is Identified, Remains In Hospital

CONCORD, NH - Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald released the name of the Trooper involved in the incident that took place on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, in Dalton, New Hampshire, in which Mark R. Clermont, 45 of Whitefield, NH was shot and killed.

The Trooper who discharged his firearm during the incident was New Hampshire State Police Trooper, Matthew Merrill. Trooper Merrill has been a law enforcement officer for approximately eleven years. He joined the New Hampshire State Police in 2012. Prior to that, he worked as a Grantham Police Officer from 2008 to 2012.

Trooper Matthew Merrill is assigned to Troop F which covers the Northern part of New Hampshire. Trooper Merrill is a member of the NHSP SWAT Unit and a mentor to fellow troopers.

Trooper Merrill is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in Afghanistan and he remains a member of the VT National Guard.

Trooper Merrill quietly lives in northern NH with his wife, two sons and daughter. His wounds both physically and mentally will take time to heal and he looks forward to returning to duty.

Trooper Merrill remains hospitalized where he is being treated for gunshot wounds and is in stable condition.

The New Hampshire Trooper's Association on Facebook offers additional information

The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain actively under investigation. No further updates are expected until the investigation is completed.