Man Arrested After Assaulting Police Officer with Hammer

A Derry man is facing assault and resisting arrest charges after attacking a police officer with a hammer and trying to pull an officer's handgun from its holster.

Shawn Decoste, 36, of 109 Franklin St., Apt. 3D is charged with first degree assault, attempted first degree assault, attempted taking a police officer's firearm and resisting arrest. He was arraigned Friday in Derry District Court and ordered held on $250,000 cash bail. He is being held at the Rockingham County Jail and is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on Jan. 13.

The incident began around 1:20 p.m. Thursday when Derry Police responded to Decoste's apartment on Franklin Street to check on his welfare. Decoste had reportedly made threats on his Facebook page to kill his therapist and police officers.

Upon arrival, police announced their presence and entered the apartment, calling out to Decoste to come out of a bedroom. Decoste emerged from the bedroom with a claw hammer and charged at police, swinging the hammer at an officer's head. The officer was able to deflect the blow, but was struck on the forearm with the hammer.  

The officers struggled with Decoste in an effort to take him into custody, and during the struggle he attempted to pull an officer’s handgun from its holster. He was then Tasered and the officers were able to gain control of him.

One police officer was treated for a bruised wrist as a result of the incident. No other injuries were reported.