Merrimack Police Accuse Man Of Having Dangerous Infernal Machine

MERRIMACK, NH — Merrimack police are investigating an alleged assault and the discovery of what they describe as an "infernal machine" capable of endangering life or property.

Police responded to a home on April 30 for a report of a possible assault against a household member. An investigation on scene determined Richard Stringer, 56, of Merrimack, had allegedly assaulted a household member and had attempted to prevent the victim from calling for help, according to police.

Stringer was arrested and transported to Merrimack police headquarters, where he was processed and released on personal recognizance bail. As one of his bail conditions, Stringer was required to relinquish all firearms, ammunition, and other deadly weapons in his possession or control, police said.

While officers were collecting these items, they located materials in the home that could potentially be used to manufacture explosives, police said. As a result, the Nashua Police Department Hazardous Device Unit was contacted and responded to assist.

An additional arrest warrant was granted for Stringer for possession of an infernal machine, which police said was defined, by law, as being capable of endangering life or property or both by fire or explosion and was a Class A Felony.

Stringer was arrested on the warrant on Wednesday and released on $2,000 cash bail.