A Maine man, who was once a member of law enforcement, is now facing charges in New Hampshire after a scuffle in a diner.
The Suspect From Maine Once Served as a Cop in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Police Officers responded to a diner on Fleet Street for a report of a fight at approximately 10:30 Wednesday night, November 22, 2023. The incident allegedly involved four people, three of whom are related, and one who is an employee of a local bank. New Hampshire State Police are investigating because one of the suspects, Aaron Goodwin, 45, of Eliot, Maine is a former Portsmouth Police Officer.
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The Suspects in the Portsmouth Diner Incident are All Related.
As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for Aaron Goodwin, his brother Kevin Goodwin of Maryland, and Kevin’s wife, Shannon Goodwin, also of Maryland. Aaron and Kevin are charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct, while Shannon Goodwin is charged with 3 counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct. Aaron Goodwin turned himself into authorities while, at last report, arrangements were being made to take the two Maryland residents into custody. Aaron Goodwin was released on personal recognizance bail.
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According to WGME-TV, a local bank executive has identified himself as the victim in this case. Mamadou Dembele has publicly called it a racist attack, which Goodwin denies. The Maine man allegedly told police that he was just trying to pull Dembele away from his sister-in-law.
Goodwin Was Fired from the Portsmouth Police Over
45-year-old Aaron Goodwin of Eliot, Maine was fired from the Portsmouth Police Department in 2015 after being accused of using his influence to convince an elderly, mentally impaired woman to leave most of her multi-million-dollar estate to him. Seacoast Online reports a probate court judge voided the trust that named Goodwin the primary beneficiary and restored an earlier trust that left the money to her grandson and several charities.
The incident in Portsmouth remains under investigation by the New Hampshire State Police.
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CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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