Drunk Wilmot Man Destroys Fire Sprinkler, Floods Police HQ: Cops

CONCORD, NH — A man arrested on a drunken driving charge is in more trouble after being accused of smashing a sprinkler system in a holding cell and causing extensive damage to the Concord Police Department headquarters booking area. Matthew Miller, 28, of Wilmot, was arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge at just after 12:15 a.m. on North State Street, in the area of the New Hampshire Prison for Men. An officer stopped Miller's vehicle, questioned him, conducted field sobriety tests, and then, he was arrested, according to Lt. Sean Ford, the commander of the criminal investigations division of the Concord Police Department.

"While Miller was at the police station being processed, the arresting officer left the booking area to retrieve some paperwork," Ford said. "That is when Mr. Miller is alleged to have destroyed an overhead sprinkler which then flooded the cells and booking area."

This led to the activation of other overhead sprinklers which caused "heavy damage" to computer systems and other electronics. More than 6-inches of water filled the cell blocks and processing station, Ford added. The booking area of the police station was closed for several hours while the damage was assessed and equipment replaced.

Along with DUI, Miller faces interfere with fire alarm apparatus and criminal mischief charges, both felonies. He was held without bail and is expected to be arraigned today in Merrimack County Superior Court.

It is unknown, at post time, what the exact cost of the flood damage or how much it will be to replace damaged items.

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

Got a news tip? Send it to Tony Schinella at tony.schinella@patch.com.

View videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyschinella.