Arson-Burglary Incident at NH Store May Have Been a Hate Crime

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Police are asking for the public’s help finding leads to who may have set a fire to and burglarized a Queen City market-restaurant yesterday morning, noting that investigators have now discovered a possible hate crime incident in the process of investigating the arson-burglary. Sgt. Michael Biron of the Manchester Police Department stated that at around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 6, 2017, police and firefighters were sent to the Rodriguez Market and Restaurant on Amory Street for a fire that was “quickly brought under control” by the MFD.

“An initial on-scene investigation by Manchester Fire Marshall John Reese deemed the fire suspicious and additional investigative resources from the Manchester Police Department and the Department of Safety Fire Marshall’s Office were requested,” according to Biron. “Further investigation has confirmed the fire was the result of arson.”

The business, investigators noted, was also burglarized and “also discovered graffiti that had been spray painted on an interior wall of the business” which “had racial overtones,” including the letters, KKK.

Biron noted that the store was targeted in June with KKK, on the side of the building, but it is uncertain at post time of the incidents are related.

Anyone with information regarding the fire or the burglary is asked to contact the Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711. Anonymous tips for cash rewards can be made through Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040.

Those with information can also contact the Manchester Fire Department Fire Marshall’s Office at 603-669-2256 or the Department of Safety Fire Marshall’s Office at 603-223-4289.

Credit: Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography FrameofMindPhoto.com.