Police: Argument Leads to Threat with Gun

A local man will face a criminal threatening charge in court in June after an incident outside of McGarvey’s Pub on Elm Street in Manchester.

Joseph Riley, 22, of Manchester, was arrested around 1 a.m. on May 6, 2015, outside of the pub after allegedly pulling his handgun out and pointing it at man.

According to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department, the victim flagged down a patrol car about the incident.

The officer went over to investigate and learned that two men – Riley and a friend from Merrimack – were attempting to enter the pub earlier. But a bartender “engaged in a brief argument with the two men due to the fact they appeared intoxicated and were not allowed to enter the bar.” The victim was outside and thought that his presence near the bartender might avert an altercation, so he stood by.

“It was at this time Riley allegedly pulled out a handgun, pulled the slide back and loaded a round into the chamber,” said O’Keefe. “(The victim) felt threatened by this behavior and fortunately was able to flag down a patrol car.”

The officer investigated the claim and found Riley to be in possession of a Glock .38 caliber handgun and he was arrested for criminal threatening. He was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court on June 9.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.