Hampton, N.H. – On Saturday morning, police responded to a call from a woman who reported that a man had threatened her with a pocket knife in a parking lot on Ocean Boulevard. The call came in at approximately 11:30 a.m.
According to the police news release, the woman said the suspect, identified as Edward Berry, 50, of Massachusetts, struck her with the blunt end of the knife after a verbal disagreement escalated. Berry was subsequently arrested at the scene.
Authorities charged Berry with criminal threatening with a deadly weapon and simple assault. In New Hampshire, criminal threatening with a deadly weapon is a felony that carries a potential prison term, while simple assault is a misdemeanor offense.
Hampton Police Department spokesperson emphasized that the department takes any threat involving a weapon seriously and encourages residents to report suspicious behavior promptly. “Our officers are trained to respond quickly to protect the safety of our community,” the spokesperson said.
The incident occurred in a public parking area, underscoring the importance of vigilance in shared spaces. Police advise anyone who feels threatened to contact law enforcement immediately and to provide as many details as possible, including descriptions of the suspect and the location.
Legal process and next steps
After his arrest, Berry was booked into the Rockingham County jail. He will appear before a magistrate for an initial hearing, where the charges will be formally presented and bail considerations addressed. If convicted, the felony charge could result in a multi‑year prison sentence, while the misdemeanor carries a shorter term and possible fines.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed about local safety resources. The Hampton Police Department offers a neighborhood watch program and regular safety briefings for residents.
Public safety reminder
Violent threats, even when the weapon is not used to inflict a lethal wound, are taken seriously under state law. The blunt end of a pocket knife can still be considered a deadly weapon if used to intimidate or cause harm. Residents are urged to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any incidents promptly.
For more information on how to report crimes or to learn about safety programs in Hampton, visit the town’s official website or contact the police department directly.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
