NH Police SWAT Standoff Ends In Arrest

NEWMARKET, NH — A New Hampshire man who pistol-whipped a woman in Newmarket Thursday — sparking a SWAT team response — fled on foot and made it to Durham, where he assaulted officers who finally arrested him, according to police. Geoffrey Sneirson (pictured), 38, of Newmarket, faces a host of charges.

Newmarket police said the incident started at about 12:45 p.m. on Piscassic Street.

"Officers learned that a female victim had been struck about the head with a loaded firearm," Newmarket police said in a statement. "Officers attempted to make contact with Sneirson in person as well as telephone but were not successful. Information was developed during this investigation which lead to the decision to activate the Seacoast Emergency Response Team."

The SWAT team surrounded the residence and officers closed surrounding streets to traffic. Sneirson had managed to flee on foot down a railroad track to Durham, police said. He was located at about 5:30 p.m. on Route 108 and Durham police officers took him into custody after he struggled with them, police said. Sneirson had a loaded 9mm pistol in his waistband, police said.

Sneirson was charged with second-degree assault, domestic violence, two counts of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. He refused bail and was held at the Rockingham County Jail pending an arraignment in Rockingham County Superior Court Friday.

"We would like to thank the community for their support, patience, and willingness to allow us time to do what was necessary today to ensure everyone's safety," Newmarket police added. "We would also like to thank all of the personnel and agencies who responded to assist us, we could not have handled this situation."

New Hampshire State Police, University of New Hampshire police and the Strafford County Tactical Team responded to the scene.

Photo credit: Newmarket Police Department