Man Accused In Standoff That Lasted Several Hours With MPD

MANCHESTER, NH - On Sept. 15, at approximately 11:30 pm, Manchester police responded to Sentinel Court for a report of an individual who had threatened his roommate with a gun.

MPD Spokesperson Heather Hamel said, "The roommate was safely taken from the apartment, and police attempted to make contact with the individual with the gun and check his condition. He was identified as Joshua Williamson, 26 of Manchester. He would not come out of the apartment. Police called him on the phone multiple times and Williamson made threats that he would point a gun at officers if they entered."

According to court documents Williamson was walking around with a handgun in his waistband, and threatening "suicide by cop."

After nearly an hour of phone calls, the MPD Bearcat was deployed and verbal commands were given on a loudspeaker pleading for Williamson to come outside. Williamson finally did come out, but continued to make threatening statements. Police were eventually able to convince Williamson to surrender.

2 guns were found inside the apartment and Williamson was charged with Criminal Threatening and Resisting Arrest.

Williamson appeared in Hillsborough County North Court and Judge David Anderson ordered him held on Preventative Detention.