Man Arrested in Pittsfield Shooting; Two Injured

Ryan Ashley, a 31-year-old man from Gilmanton, has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday morning in Pittsfield, New Hampshire. The New Hampshire State Police announced on Sunday that Ashley is facing charges of first-degree assault and two counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon.

The incident took place around 11:50 a.m. when Pittsfield police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of 54 Main St. Upon arrival, they discovered two injured men in a nearby parking lot. The victims were promptly transported to Concord Hospital, where they are now reported to be in stable condition.

In response to the incident, the Gilmanton Police Association coordinated with the Pittsfield and Belknap Regional Special Operations Group. The suspected shooter was believed to be located at a residence in Gilmanton, leading to a heavy police presence in the Meadow Pond Road area. The Gilmanton Police Association confirmed that the suspect was successfully apprehended.

To assist with the investigation, troopers from the New Hampshire State Police responded at the request of the Pittsfield Police Department and assumed leadership under the Major Crime Unit. Capt. Victor Muzzey stated that the Major Crime Unit’s involvement was requested due to the seriousness of the situation.

A witness recounted their experience during the incident, revealing that they took shelter inside a nearby bank's vault along with several others for safety. "We heard the shooting outside. The girls locked the door very quickly and we went in the vault," the witness stated.

Authorities have assured the public that all individuals involved in the incident have been identified and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. They have also emphasized that there is no current threat to the community. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is aware of the situation and is coordinating with its collaboration partners.

Ryan Ashley is currently in custody at the Merrimack County Jail and is expected to be arraigned on Monday, according to state police. Individuals who possess information related to the incident and have not yet spoken to investigators are urged to contact Trooper First Class Amanda Johnson at Amanda.L.Johnson@dos.nh.gov.