Milford Man Faces Negligent Driving, Threat, Other Merrimack Charges

MERRIMACK, NH — A man from Milford is facing several charges in Merrimack after being accused of threats and child endangerment during a road rage incident.

Around 8:45 a.m. on July 15, police were sent to the Merrimack Premium Outlets to take a report from a woman who said another driver became irate with her on Industrial Drive, accusing her of cutting him off. The man then followed the woman into the lot and began screaming at her, she said. The driver was later identified as Richard Steel, 46, of Milford.

“Steel followed the female’s vehicle into the outlet parking lot and began to yell at her while in his vehicle,” Officer Ash said. “Not finished with the initial encounter, he then drove in a reckless manner into the parking lot, where he parked behind the female’s vehicle and then exited his vehicle. He approached her vehicle and began to use vulgar language while giving her the middle finger. Steel then made statements, threatening to assault her.”

Ash said, as police investigated the incident, they learned a young child was in the backseat of Steel’s vehicle, a report said. There were “multiple witnesses” observing “Steel’s aggressive behavior” who also “heard his use of profanities,” he said.

A warrant was issued for Steel. He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with negligent driving, endangering the welfare of a child, two disorderly conduct, and three criminal threatening charges. Steel was released on personal recognizance and is due for arraignment in Merrimack District Court on Aug. 4.

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