Press Releases

Just in time for the start of the new school year Portsmouth Police Department announces the release of the 6th edition of PPD trading cards! 

The 2024 series features 23 new photos and includes introductions for some recent hires and new assignments.  Each card features the officers’ name and photograph on the front and includes a biography and special message on the back. Many Portsmouth police officers carry them and will hand them out to those who request them.

Jazmin Diaz Barrientos, 23 of Newmarket, New Hampshire, turned herself in on an arrest warrant yesterday. Barrientos is charged with Second Degree Assault (Felony B), 2 counts of Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon (Felony B), Reckless Conduct (Felony B), 2 counts of Simple Assault (Misdemeanor A), and Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor B). She was released on personal recognizance bail and will be arraigned at Portsmouth 10th Circuit District Court. (All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty).

On the morning of April 2, 2024, the Portsmouth Police Department opened an investigation into a report of sexual assault occurring at a local business. Following an investigation an arrest warrant for misdemeanor counts of sexual
assault (3), simple assault (4), and the unlawful practice of chiropractic medicine (2) was issued for a suspect identified through the investigation as Harry Charache, 67 of Stratham New Hampshire. 

On the morning of April 9, 2024, the Portsmouth Police Department opened an investigation into a targeted case of vandalism at Temple Israel in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Following an investigation, an arrest warrant for criminal mischief and hate-motivated criminal mischief was issued for a suspect identified through the investigation as Kevin O’Leary, 31 of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On April 19, 2024, Mr. O’Leary turned himself in to the Portsmouth Police Department and was arrested on this warrant. Mr.

On the morning of February 21, 2023, the Portsmouth Police Department opened an investigation into a wave of hate-motivated graffiti targeting houses of worship and other communities within the City of Portsmouth. Following an investigation, an arrest warrant for 31 counts of criminal mischief and hate-motivated criminal mischief was issued for a suspect identified through the investigation as Loren Faulkner. On April 18, 2024, Mr. Faulkner turned himself in to the Portsmouth Police Department and was arrested on this warrant. Mr.

Twenty-two years after terror attacks on America destroyed the towers of the World Trade Center and surrounding area in New York City; heavily damaged the Pentagon in Washington DC; and caused the destruction of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, we will again pause and remember the world-changing events of September 11, 2001.

At 12:52 A.M. on the morning of August 26th, 2023, the Portsmouth Police Department responded to an assault involving multiple people in the area of Hanover Street.  The assault occurred between the Portsmouth Gaslight and the Portsmouth Parking Garage on Hanover Street. 

On June 11, 2023, the Portsmouth Police Department responded to the parking lot of 100 Durgin Lane for a report of an unresponsive dog in a vehicle.  On scene investigation discovered the owner of the vehicle had left a dog, which was a Terrier mix, in a vehicle with the windows up for several hours.  Upon the arrival of officers, the dog was found to be deceased.  The outside temperature was in the mid 70’s with the internal temperature of the vehicle recorded at 125 degrees.

The Portsmouth NH Police Department is proud to announce the presentation of “Safer Roads” at the Portsmouth Public Library on May 18th, 2023, at 5 P.M.  The “Safer Roads” presentation covers updated motor vehicle laws and “what to do” when pulled over by the police.  There will be time after the presentation to meet with officers and ask questions. 

On April 12th, 2023, at approximately 6 P.M. the Portsmouth Police Department received a tip regarding a concerning video of a threat being made of a shooting that was going to occur at the Portsmouth High School.  The video depicted a male in a vehicle in front of Portsmouth High School with a gun.  The message on the video said, “Imma gonna shoot up the school”.