Fugitive Found Behind False Wall

Law enforcement officials from around the state converged on Allenstown earlier this week in an attempt to capture a fugitive on a probation violation with an arrest record in Concord.

According to a press statement, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force along with Allenstown and Greenfield Police departments, were attempting to apprehend Jonathan Higgins, 20, of Allenstown, on a probation violation after previously being convicted on burglary and narcotics charges. The police went to his home on Jan. 17, to arrest him, but he reportedly fled the scene. Other agencies joined in the search for Higgins but they were unable to find him.

Yesterday, law enforcement officials returned to Higgins’ home, believing that he might be inside. The occupants inside the home denied he was there and investigators were unable to find him. But during a more thorough, second search, police alleged that the found Higgins behind a false wall closet, hiding.

“After Higgins was discovered, he became violent and resisted arrest,” the statement noted. “A taser was utilized to bring Higgins under control.”

Higgins was arrested on the warrant and also charged with two charges of resisting arrest. He was sent directly to the Merrimack County House of Corrections, "because of his uncooperative behavior we did not bring him to our station,” noted Shaun Mulholland, the chief of the Allenstown Police Department.

“I am extremely pleased with the quick and safe outcome to this investigation,” said U.S. Marshal David Cargill Jr. in a statement, “the dedication and hard work of all involved is truly evident.”

Also arrested were Katelyn Schmidt, 20, Kelvin Lawrence, 25, and Jeanette Willey, 76, all of Allenstown. They were charged with hindering apprehension.

Previously, Higgins was arrested in March 2012 on a simple assault (personal weapons) charge, after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. He was also arrested in February 2010, on disorderly conduct and reckless conduct charges in Pembroke.

The Rockingham and Belknap County Sheriff’s Offices also assisted with the arrest.