Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT — On Monday, July 31, at about 6:15 PM, Claremont police officers responded to a residence at the intersection of Trinity and Walnut streets for reports a shooting. Officers learned that two male suspects forced their way into the apartment and were assaulting one of the occupants.
Those men were identified as Loren Richardson, 34, of Claremont and Kody Bardin, 29, also of Claremont.
Richardson reportedly had a firearm at the time of the assault. During the confrontation, another occupant of the apartment came towards the kitchen to investigate what was happening. Upon seeing Richardson armed with the gun and committing an assault, the occupant fired two rounds from his own pistol, striking Richardson once in the chest. Richardson and Barden subsequently ran from the apartment.
Not long after, CPD learned that Richardson was being treated for a gunshot wound at Valley Regional Hospital. He was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he remains in critical, but stable, condition.
Bardin was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary, criminal threatening with a deadly weapon and simple assault.
Also arrested was Emily Engerman, 20, of Claremont, on charges of falsifying physical evidence. Police did not disclose what actions led to the charge or how she was involved in the incident.
According to a statement released by CPD, investigators continue to review surveillance footage, execute search warrants, collect evidence and conduct interviews. The statement said more arrests are “imminent.” Police did not disclose a motive or whether the assault was random or targeted. Calls from the Eagle Times were not returned prior to press time.
Chief Brent Wilmot thanked the Lebanon Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police and the Sullivan County Attorney’s office for assisting the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call CPD Det. Richard Bell at 603-542-7010 or the anonymous tip line 603-542-7026.
The Eagle Times will update this story as information becomes available.
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