Suspect Critical, Faces Attempted Murder Charges, After Shootout With Manchester Cops At Fairfield Inn

MANCHESTER, NH — A routine call for an unwanted person at the Fairfield Inn on Saturday afternoon escalated into a violent shootout, leaving a 50-year-old Alton man in critical condition.

Manchester Police were dispatched to the hotel at 860 South Porter St. around 4:20 p.m. Saturday, after the hotel staff reported a guest was refusing to vacate their room. Upon arrival, the individual, later identified as John Tibbs of Alton, opened his room door and immediately began firing at them, according to Heather Hamel, a Manchester police spokesperson.

Officers returned fire, striking Tibbs. Police provided immediate medical aid at the scene before Tibbs was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Tibbs faces three counts of attempted murder and three counts of reckless conduct.

Chief Peter Marr commended his officers' actions, stating, “Our officers faced a sudden and life-threatening situation and acted quickly and professionally to defend themselves and protect others. They followed their training, responded with courage, and then provided medical aid to the suspect without hesitation.”

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the state police Major Crime are investigating the incident. The names of the officers involved are being withheld until the completion of their interviews.