Man shot dead by police in Manchester, New Hampshire

A man was shot dead by a police officer in Manchester on Friday morning, officials said.

Police Chief Allen Aldenberg confirmed that the shooting occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Bridge Street between Beech Street and Ash Street.

The man who was shot was taken to Elliot Hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. The Attorney General’s Office later confirmed his death.

Authorities have identified the man as Andrew Smith, 56, of Manchester. His cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, according to authorities.

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Prosecutors said the shooting occurred after a patrol officer approached the man to talk to him. The man told the officer he had a gun and the officer told him to keep his hands visible, prosecutors said.

“The beginning of this interaction remains under thorough investigation,” said Senior Deputy Attorney General Ben Agati.

But investigators said the man instead reached into his pocket to retrieve the gun. A struggle ensued and the Attorney General’s Office said the man fired a weapon that was later determined to be a pistol. The officer returned fire, wounding the man. The officer, described as a 15-year veteran of the force, was unharmed.

“He fired at one of my officers,” Aldenberg said. “So to me that’s an intent to kill him. And again, it just underscores the dangers of this job.”

The Attorney General’s Office said the officer was wearing a body camera that was recording at the time. Investigators are now reviewing the footage, officials said.

The Attorney General’s Office said the official’s identity would not be revealed until after official questioning, which is expected to take place in the next five to ten working days.