Violent Convicted Criminal Shot During Traffic Stop In Derry

DERRY, NH — Derry police have arrested and charged a man who they say was involved in a pursuit that ended in a Derry officer shooting the suspect.

Derry Police initiated a motor vehicle stop on Scobie Pond Road for a traffic violation Friday at 9:19 p.m. The vehicle sped away from the officer as he approached the car; the driver, later identified as Levi Coltey, led officers on a brief pursuit. During the pursuit, Coltey is alleged to have used the vehicle to run cruisers off the road and threaten the safety of officers and the public.

Coltey was eventually stopped on Route 28 Bypass and was taken into custody after being shot by an officer.

Coltey’s last known address is 127 Maynard Avenue in Manchester and he was charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, three counts of disobeying a Police Officer, and one charge of resisting arrest. After the shooting, he was transported to the Elliot Hospital in Manchester by Derry Fire, where he was treated and released to Derry police.

New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office are investigating the shooting.

Saturday morning, 28 Bypass was closed to traffic in an area just north of Paul Avenue.
A state trooper used a drone to document the scene from an aerial perspective while other investigators photographed and shot video of the scene.

A black Toyota Scion with the driver’s door was open and was being photographed on the southbound side of the road. What appeared to be medical supplies and clothing could be seen on the ground near the car.

Coltey has an extensive criminal record dating back several years.

According to a Manchester Police press release in 2019, Coltey was accused of assault on a Manchester Police officer on more than one occasion. He was also accused of assaulting his father on Maynard Avenue and "head butting" a nurse at the Elliot Hospital.

The state at the time also outlined violent charges, which are pending trial in Nashua, and a previous conviction on assault in Florida.

The state explained the list of current charges Coltey faces in Manchester, including an assault in Manchester on Maynard Avenue, an assault on a Manchester police officer on more than one occasion, and an assault on a nurse at the Elliot Hospital.

The state also outlined violent charges, which are pending trial in Nashua, and a previous conviction on assault in Florida.

Coltey is currently scheduled for trial on Feb. 28 in Rockingham County Court; according to court records, he faces two counts of assault, resisting detention, and a drug charge.

The investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit into the officer-involved shooting of Coltey is ongoing, and the identity of the officer using deadly force will not be disclosed until a formal interview takes place. This is expected to occur sometime next week. Further information will be provided at that time.