A registered sex offender was arrested in Durham, New Hampshire, on Monday morning after firing fireworks at police officers during a standoff. Rory Robertson, 46, faces new charges including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and criminal threatening.
The incident began around 6 a.m. when an officer attempted to pull over Robertson, who had just left his home. Robertson, who was wanted on several outstanding warrants including breach of bail, violation of bail conditions, and theft, fled and barricaded himself inside a residence. Police stated he ignored commands from officers and began shooting fireworks at them and a patrol car.
Authorities reported that one large shell-style firework narrowly missed an officer before exploding beneath a police cruiser. The discharge of fireworks prompted police to issue a shelter-in-place request for nearby residents.
Robertson emerged from the house shortly after 8 a.m. and was subdued with non-lethal PepperBall rounds. No officers were injured during the event. Robertson received treatment for minor injuries before being taken to Strafford County House of Corrections.
Court records indicate Robertson was convicted in 2009 for felony sex assault. He is also scheduled for a competency hearing in October related to alleged stalking and sex assault offenses from 2024. Police noted that Robertson had prior opportunities to surrender before the standoff occurred.