Massachusetts Felon Arrested After Shootout In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NH — A Bay State felon was arrested on numerous charges in New Hampshire Saturday after being accused of shooting at another gunman in the Queen City and hiding the handgun from police — and then, he was released on personal recognizance bail.

Police were sent to River Road and West Webster Street Saturday for a report of a shots fired at around 2:15 a.m. When they arrived, police located a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

"The shooter," according to Heather Hamel, the public information officer for the Manchester Police Department, "had already fled the scene."

While investigating the incident, police learned that another man had chased the shooting suspect and fired shots as well. That man was identified as Joe Derat, 32, of Mattapan, Massachusetts.

"Derat then hid the gun which officers later found," Hamel said.

Derat, who was also a convicted felon, was charged with reckless conduct, falsifying physical evidence, and felon in possession of a deadly weapon charges, all felonies, as well as a misdemeanor disorderly conduct count. He was released on personal recognizance bail despite the violent nature of the allegations and that he lived out of state, Hamel added.

Chief Allen Aldenberg of the Manchester Police Department said he was "very disappointed" with the personal recognizance bail.

"Our officers and detectives worked very hard on this case and it is disheartening to see that despite their best efforts, a dangerous individual is being released back onto the streets," he said. "Regardless, Manchester police will continue to investigate and follow this through to the end. Reducing violent crime remains a priority but it is difficult to do when defendants such as this are released on bail. Those who commit violent crimes should be held accountable."

Derat, according to posts on Patch in Massachusetts, was arrested in November 2015 after a traffic stop for speeding in Andover, MA. He was charged with speeding violation, operating a vehicle with a revoked license, providing a false name to police, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a large capacity feeding device, and firearm use in a felony. A few months later, he was indicted on a single possession with intent to distribute charge. According to other posts online, Derat has been arrested on drug possession and firearm charges in Stoughton, a larceny charge in Roslindale, and a drug dealing charge after a traffic stop in Londonderry.

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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