Merrimack Incident Involving SWAT And Evacuations Ends With Arrest

MERRIMACK, NH — A large law enforcement response, including a regional SWAT team, responded to Adams Avenue for an initial call that involved a domestic incident, according to police.

Merrimack police officers responded to the residence Wednesday for the report of a domestic incident. Officers learned from the victim they had been involved in a verbal argument with Joshua Pasek, 44. During the argument, Pasek was in possession of a firearm, police said.

Pasek took the victim’s phone and threatened to harm them and another household member while physically preventing them from being able to leave/flee the residence, according to a report. They were able to flee the residence and Pasek began chasing them before turning back toward the residence, police said.

Because Pasek was accused of being armed and it was unknown if he had barricaded himself within the residence, the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit was requested. The residence was searched and it was determined Pasek fled the scene during their initial response, police said.

Negotiators contacted Pasek via phone and attempted to convince him to surrender peacefully, according to a report. Pasek refused to comply and remained on the lam for the next day and a half, police said.

Friday, Pasek turned himself in at the Merrimack Police Department where he was formally charged and held on preventative detention pending arraignment on Monday.

Pasek is accused of criminal threatening, simple assault, false imprisonment, obstructing the reporting of a crime, and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.