Press Releases

**UPDATE** 12:45pm - Austin and all surrounding streets are now reopened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The evacuation has been lifted and residents have been cleared to return to their homes. The Portsmouth Police Department would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.

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The Portsmouth Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the death of a 38 year old male which occurred in Portsmouth overnight between November 17th and the 18th.

At approximately 5:15 AM on November 18th, the Portsmouth Police and Fire departments responded to 171 Union St, #3, after a man reported finding his roommate unresponsive in the residence. Despite efforts to revive the male, he was deceased on-scene.

On November 4, 2019, the Portsmouth Police Department arrested the following individual for Sale of Controlled Narcotics, a Class B Felony.

Everton Sterling

Age 35

From Manchester, NH

Portsmouth’s Trick or Treat will occur on Wednesday, October 30th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Click here for more info

https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/police/press-releases/portsmouths-2019-trick-or-treat-halloween-parade

On October 19th at 2:14 AM, the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments responded to Prescott Park for a Ford F-350 dump body truck that was fully engulfed in flames. Evidence on scene suggested that the fire was intentionally set. Fire Investigators from both the Police and Fire Departments processed the scene for evidence. The investigation ultimately led to the arrest of the following individual:

Stephen P. Denault

The date and time for “Trick-or-Treat” activities in Portsmouth this year will be Wednesday, October 30th, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The Portsmouth Police Department encourages families participating in this activity to review and practice personal safety as they walk through neighborhoods at this time of day, as driver visibility can be diminished by the darkness setting in.

The Portsmouth Police Department will be joining the Drug Enforcement Administration and other seacoast communities in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day; this Saturday, October 26th 2019, at the Portsmouth Police Department, from 10:00 A.M.

On October 8th, the Portsmouth Police received a call from a resident about a new iPhone that was delivered to his house from AT&T, that he did not order. Being familiar with recent scams regarding these deliveries, the resident called to alert the police. Members of the Portsmouth Police Special Investigations Unit initiated surveillance on the residence in question.

On today’s date, the following individual turned herself in to the Portsmouth Police:

Amy Cresta

Age 45

From South Berwick, ME

Charges:

*UPDATE* 1:55 pm The road is back open. Thank you for your patience!

At 12:10 P.M. today, Portsmouth Police and Fire Department’s responded to the intersection of Islington Street at Bartlett Street for a gas leak.  The Fire Department and gas company are working on containing the leak but we are suggesting avoiding the area.  The gas leak was caused by a construction accident and is isolated to one area.