By: Laura Soukkavong
SOMERSWORTH, N.H. — A late-night shooting incident in Somersworth has resulted in a felony arrest after police say a verbal altercation escalated into an exchange of gunfire early Saturday morning.
According to the Somersworth Police Department, officers responded around 1:21 a.m. on April 4, after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunshots in the area of Depot Street.
When officers arrived, they quickly located the scene of the reported disturbance and secured the area.
Investigators recovered multiple spent shell casings and live rounds in the roadway directly in front of the residence involved. Evidence of gunfire extended several hundred feet down the street, indicating the situation escalated significantly.
Police also discovered:
- A vehicle struck by gunfire
- A separate residence damaged by bullets
Despite the intensity of the incident, no injuries were reported.
Following the investigation, officers detained and arrested Robert Stiffer, 48, of Somersworth.
He is facing multiple felony charges, including:
- Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon
- Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon
Authorities confirmed both charges are classified as felonies.
Stiffer is currently being held on preventative detention and is expected to be arraigned on April 6.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and involves additional individuals.
According to officials:
- Three other suspects fled the scene
- They were last known to be heading toward the State of Maine
- Additional arrests are expected
Authorities emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated to specific individuals and a particular address, and there is no indication of a broader public threat.
Investigators are asking residents in the areas of Depot Street and Union Street to review any home security footage that may have captured the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Somersworth Police Department or submit an anonymous tip online.