Hate Crime Vandalism Arrest

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. Faulkner was processed and released on personal recognizance bail with an arraignment date of June 10, 2024. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

The Portsmouth Police Department would like to thank the community partners who assisted in this investigation including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Unit, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the news organizations who helped spread the word and suspect photos, and all the citizens of Portsmouth who contributed to this investigation with their investigative tips and video surveillance. Please contact Sergeant Kevin McCarthy, Investigative Division, at 603 610-7656. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

 “Anonymous tips can be made through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431- 1199, online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com and through the new “P3” phone app available as a free download. Rewards of up to $1,000.00 may be paid for help solving cases if the information leads to an arrest or indictment of a suspect(s).”