Friend of Drowning Victim Arrested for Interfering at the Scene

Police arrested Jesse Theriault, 24, of Nashua at the scene of a dramatic rescue Saturday at Sandy Pond in Nashua in which Theriault's friend, Jay Coocen, drowned.

Nashua Police Lt. Michael Moushegian said that Theriault was formally charged with obstructing governmental administration and criminal threatening, both misdemeanors.

Both Theriault and Coocen had been drinking, Moushegian said.

Moushegian said the two were swimming together when Coocen started to go under. As rescuers arrived at the scene, Theriault was interfering with efforts by police.

"Police were pulling the victim one way and Theriault was pulling him another. He was drunk, and his interference at the scene was inhibiting rescuers ability to take care of the victim," Moushegian said.

When Coocen was finally pulled from the water, Theriault again allegedly interfered, threatening to assault a police officer.

"He said, 'I'm gonna knock you out,' and then advanced toward the officer," Moushegian said. 

Coocen's death has been ruled a drowning due to intoxication, Moushegian said.