Cops Find, Arrest Accused Attempted First-Degree Assaulter

Update, 5:55 p.m. on Dec. 16, 2019: Manchester police have found and arrested Matthew Erwin, 35, of stalking and violation of bail conditions charges.

The original post is below.

MANCHESTER, NH — A Manchester man, out on personal recognizance bail, is wanted on a stalking charge after an incident in the Queen City Sunday. An arrest warrant has been issued for Matthew Erwin, 35, of Manchester. He's accused of violating the terms of his bail conditions by showing up at a woman's home who he was ordered to stay away from, according to Heather Hamel, the public information officer for the Manchester Police Department.

Previously, he was accused of threatening to stab the woman on Dec. 5 and was arrested in October on an attempted first-degree assault charge.

"That incident dated back to July when Erwin confronted a former roommate and tried to stab him," Hamel said. "In both of these previous incidents, Erwin was released on (personal recognizance) bail."

Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano said the fact that Erwin was released on personal recognizance bail repeatedly was "concerning, to say the least," and the bail system needed to be changed.

"Here we are only 10 days later and he has committed another crime," said Capano. "At some point, we have to agree that the current system is not working. Until that day comes, Manchester police will continue to try to keep the community safe. Our fear is that if things keep going this way, someone is going to get seriously hurt or even killed."

Capano agreed the bail system was broken but the previous changes have made it so that no one is being held accountable for their actions.

"This isn’t about putting everyone in jail – but rather keeping the public safe from people like Erwin," he added.

Anyone with information about Erwin is asked to contact Manchester Police at 603-668-8711 or remain anonymous by calling the Crimeline at 603-624-4040.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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