Nashua Woman Fires Gun In Struggle With Officers: Police

NASHUA, NH — A Nashua woman was arrested Friday on charges she fired a gun during a struggle with police officers on Chickie Street, according to police. Kerri Lucas, 32, was charged with felony reckless conduct, felony drug possession (cocaine) and misdemeanor resisting arrest. She was held on $15,000 bail at the Hillsborough County House of Corrections in Manchester pending an arraignment.

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Nashua police Lt. Craig Allard said on Friday at about 1 p.m., officers were called to Chickie Street to "assist an individual with retrieving items from the residence." Officers then made contact with Lucas, who "appeared distraught and refused to allow officers into her home," Allard said.

Officers then noticed Lucas had a gun and appeared injured.

"Officers took positions of cover at this time," Allard said. "Lucas then appeared back on the stairs of the residence and officers engaged her in conversation. While speaking with Lucas officers could see that Lucas still had the firearm in her back pocket.

Allard continued, "As officers continued to speak with her it became clear that she may attempt to take her own life. Lucas did not respond to the officer’s requests and officers deployed two less lethal bean bag rounds. Officers then rushed to Lucas to secure her and the firearm. During this time Lucas was able to reach the firearm and appeared to be raising the firearm to herself. Officers struggled with Lucas over the firearm and one of the officers deployed his taser in an attempt to gain control. During this struggle Lucas discharged the firearm. The firearm discharged in the direction of the ground and no one was injured."

Officers then took Lucas into custody and found cocaine on her person, Allard said. She was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for an evaluation before being transferred to the correctional facility. She will be arraigned Monday in Nashua District Court.

Photo: Kerri Lucas. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)