Portsmouth Woman Pulls Shotgun on Man Walking His Dog: Cops

PORTSMOUTH, NH — A local woman was arrested yesterday afternoon for allegedly threatening a stranger with a shotgun who was walking his dog near her home, according to police. Nicole Matusewic, 30, of Union Street in Portsmouth, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2017, for criminal threatening and reckless conduct, both felonies.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

According to police, officers were called to the area around 5 p.m. after a man alleged that while walking his dog on Union Street, a woman pulled a shotgun on him. The man alleged that he was walking in the area when a woman left her porch, walked over to him, and confronted him about knocking on her door. The victim stated he didn’t knock on her door and denied the allegation to her. At the time, the woman was allegedly carrying a 12-gauge Mossberg slide action shotgun during the confrontation.

“Ms. Matusewic then allegedly leveled-and-pointed the weapon at the victim,” according to Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn of the Portsmouth Police Department. “She then chambered a round into the weapon and told the victim she was, ‘going to take care of whoever that was who was banging on her door!’ The victim fearing for his safety retreated to his residence safely where he called 911.”

Officers spoke with Matusewic and investigated the scene and reportedly found the loaded shotgun – which was owned by her roommate – next to the front door.

“Ms. Matusewic acknowledges confronting the victim and chambering a round into the weapon during her exchange but denies pointing the weapon at the victim,” Kaltenborn said in a press statement. “During this interview, Portsmouth Police Department Officers requested assistance from the Portsmouth Fire Department who responded to the scene and evaluated the suspect for a pre-existing, undisclosed medical issue. The suspect refused medical treatment was cleared medically at the scene.”

Matusewic was arrested and the weapon seized, according to police. She’s due in court on Feb. 21.

If convicted, she faces a fine and between one year and seven years in prison.

The Portsmouth Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with this investigation. Anyone who witnessed this event or may have information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Officer Matt Young at the Portsmouth Police Department at 603-610-7619.