Lack of Payment for Day-Old Dope Deal Leads to Drug, Gun Charges at the Mall of NH: Police

MANCHESTER, NH — A gun, dope, alleged threats, beatings, video games, and clothes shopping? It was just another day at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester this week, according to police, after they arrested two men when an argument about a previous alleged drug deal reportedly turned violent.

Justin Choice, 22, pictured left, of Boston, MA, was arrested on Nov. 14, 2016, on three counts of simple assault and conspiracy to commit the sale of a controlled drug. Also arrested was Garrett Clay, 20, of Derry, who was charged with conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled drug and carrying a firearm without a license.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

According to police, officers were sent to the area of the Old Navy store at the mall for an altercation involving two men. One of the men, according to a report, had a handgun. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke first with Choice, who was reportedly inside of Gamestop.

“Choice allegedly sold marijuana to a subject the day before and never received payment, so a confrontation ensued when he observed the man at the mall,” Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department alleged. “Choice said Clay allegedly walked toward him and pointed a gun at him."

Officers were unable to substantiate Choice's claim so Clay was not charged with criminal threatening, according to the report.

Clay was located near Old Navy and officers spoke with him about the threat allegation and confrontation.

“Clay stated he was armed with a handgun but denied threatening Choice with it during the confrontation,” O’Keefe stated. “He, too, spoke about the incident, stating it had to do with the purchase of marijuana the day before. Clay told the officers he refused to pay for the marijuana, so Choice recognized him at the mall and allegedly attacked him. Choice allegedly struck him several times with his fist.”

Clay was allegedly in possession of a .38 caliber handgun, but did not have a concealed carry permit. The handgun was placed into evidence, for safekeeping, O’Keefe noted, and both Choice and Clay were arrested.

Choice and Clay were both released on $1,000 cash/surety bail. Choice is due in court on Dec. 20, while Clay has a court date on Nov. 30.