NH Police Beating: Trooper to Plead Guilty

NASHUA, NH — A former New Hampshire state trooper caught on camera beating a chase suspect in Nashua in May is expected to plead guilty to assault charges. Andrew Monaco, 31, was caught on camera May 11 repeatedly punching a suspect who was down on the ground surrendering. Attorney General Joseph Foster said it was a case of excessive force.

Video shows the suspect, Richard Simone, getting down on the ground — at which point Monaco (in green) and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Flynn (in blue) rush in and throw multiple punches.

• Watch video of the incident below

Monaco is expected to plead guilty to three assault charges during a hearing Thursday in Nashua District Court. Flynn was also charged with assault; his case is still pending. Their charges carry a more severe penalty because they were on duty at the time, Foster said.

New Hampshire State Police Col. Robert Quinn condemned the attack. "The Division of State Police does not condone the unjustified use of force and it will not be tolerated," Quinn said in a statement. Monaco was fired following the incident. Flynn was suspended.

The chase started in Holden, Mass. when the suspect, Simone, 50, of Worcester, failed to stop for officers because he had several warrants, police said. The chase weaved into New Hampshire and at one point, Simone struck a utility pole but continued on, police said.

A WHDH-7News helicopter followed the chase; a videographer aboard captured the events and the violent end. Simone is facing multiple charges.

Gov. Maggie Hassan also condemned the attack.

"We must treat this incident with the utmost seriousness without disparaging all of the hard-working police officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," she said in a statement.

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• NH, MA Troopers Charged With Beating Suspect in Nashua Chase
• Excessive Police Force Investigated in Nashua Incident
• Nashua Chase Ends With Officers Throwing Punches

Photo: WHDH-7News