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Police: Woman tried to burn officer's home

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By PAULA TRACY AND PAT GROSSMITH
New Hampshire Union Leader

A woman obsessed with a Laconia police officer tried to burn his house down with him and his family asleep inside, police said. The trash can blaze burned itself out but was still smoldering the next morning when the officer discovered it.

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YOUR COMMENTS


Ah, to only be a woman today. Harass anyone, and be told ..."after supervising officers repeatedly told Halsey-Carter to stop contacting the officer, stop trying to see him and to stop calling him."
If this were a man, he would have been cuffed and stuffed continuously (as should happen). But no, special rights prevail. I bet you cannot wait until this happens to you! And I hope it does... Just remember who your representatives are, so things will only get worse for you, if you are a man. - Kevin, Portsmouth, NH

That may happen in your town but here in Manchester there is alot of push back by the police. Someone I know had to resort to putting cameras all around her property after being harrassed by a man for years. It is still going on. All the perpetrator has to know is what lines NOT to cross - he hasn't been arrested once!
- tracey, manchester

Leon is right about this case. Its that men in uniform thing.I had the same problem with my ice cream route. I had to get rid of the white uniform.
- Lenny, Manchester

Jackie, Manchester. Unfortunately that was the problem. I did not see who did it, but because of what was happening at the time, only one name kept coming up. I spoke to the chief after the brake lines were cut. And I agreed, unless there was some kind of evidence that was left behind there wasn't anything he could do but step up patrols in the area. I lived 500 feet off the road, not visible from the road. I do not expect to treated special, I do feel as though everyone should be treated the same, as much as Dale spouts equality between civilian and troopers (local cops included), it just isn't there. I have made comparisons in the past that the union would not print. It doesn't matter because it is what it is. There is two rules that are followed, it's getting better with media coverage but its still there
- Craig McIntosh, Chichester

Craig, I'm just curious. If you had a suspect, but no proof, how will the cops get a conviction in court? I'm sure a judge would be more than happy to sign a warrant when there's no proof...LOL! In most cases, your suspect will deny it unless confronted with proof he/she did it.
- Jackie, Manchester

This state has been riddled with the free-stater, cop-hater, anti-law abiding, uneducated-criminal. Everyday people don't waste their time sharing their thoughts on the Union Leader's site. It's quite simple to realize that more than half of these cop-bashers are nothing but disgruntled ex-criminals who have at one time broken the law and were arrested. It's the same old characters, If you want to stand up to the police and criticize them, then why don't you share your full name....and address. Now that's something you'll never see. Nothing but a bunch of cowards!
- Sam, Concord

Mike - After releasing my brother's identity and where he lives, I think it's high time the community gave back to him - he is a public servant whose life is at risk daily for the protection of others.
Sean - Did you READ the article? Catch the part that this woman has been stalking my brother for over a year, or did that part escape your attention? And if you did your research as to what kind of cop he is, you might just find crow feathers sticking out of your mouth. Victoria - You are right, the authorities expect PROOF of harrassment - so very many people in the world make false accusations. My brother being an officer (and a fine one, at that) likely had the proof because of his understanding of the LAW. Yes, we all have to follow the law.
- Leslie Graton, Phoenix, AZ

This will be my last post on this matter as it is getting very laborious to try to explain this. Victoria, he is bashing cops. He mentioned cops, not the courts. The judicial systeme is the courts – NOT law enforcement. Two distinct and separate branches of government – look it up. Also, as I wrote before there must be probable cause to arrest, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt to convict. “He said/she said” without evidence to back it up does not reach either level, and is similarly impossible to get a conviction in court. So the police obviously told you what was needed to develop those thresholds. That evidence evidently was not found. They are required to follow the Constitutions of the United States and the State of NH – and the fact that you don’t seem to understand that is not their fault. Also, investigations (once again) are unique in their own accord. The amount of time it takes to go from discovery to arrest will vary in every case, and sometimes will never happen. I have seen civilian victims have the offenders arrested immediately, and I have seen police victims never see their violators arrested.

Craig, I’m not interested in the specifics, but if they are important as to why you feel that your complaint was not investigated appropriately, I refer to my previous posting about the appropriate method to address that. You are correct that there is more in the newspaper today, but it is very selective. No article in this paper about the ex-Chief of Haverhill pleading guilty to DWI, and receiving a sentence similar to anyone else now is there? Or stories about other officers charged, found guilty, and sentenced for various other acts. This State is very lucky – the officers who do get in trouble are far and few between compared to the thousands that do their job everyday without mention. Also, nightly across this State there are literally dozens of people arrested and that go to court. Nothing about the ones that get off on technicalities such drinking after an accident and not being convicted of DWI. Funny thing, first person to do that was a civilian – not a cop and that was decades ago. And there have been many since.

Jennell – you r statement goes up in smoke if you read Victoria’s comment. Because if it were true then she wouldn’t be upset that two alleged stalkers were not arrested and charged, now would she? As far as special treatment – there is not an individual in this country that does not get special treatment of some type where they work. Whether it is a discount, or the ability to not wait in line. Prestige or ridicule. Today’s police officers as a whole try to live a life to avoid the problems that have befallen some of their peers. But some fail. And if they did indeed receive the special treatment as you have claimed then you would not even know about the bad. Those that have been arrested for DWI wouldn’t have been. Because then it would have been easier to cover it up. The same for that commit assaults, thefts, and other mistakes. The also have the dubious honor of essence giving up their individuals freedoms, such as free speech. You see, if they really wanted to tell you what they think they would in all likelihood be censured and possibly disciplined by their respective departments.


So as I end this I will say this: There are bad cops – just as there are bad in any professions. And all the good ones out there want the bad ones addressed as much as the civilians do. I am not a cop apologist, which is the term coined for those who are not a cop basher. I have even testified against a high ranking police official on a charge of DWI in which he was found guilty – as he should have been. But I realize to bash, ridicule, and downgrade an entire group of anything for the actions of a few is not only in poor taste, but demonstrating total ignorance. I also learned a long time ago to be tolerant, and when I question something I try to educate myself in the subject before I open mouth and insert foot. Something which has not obviously happened with many who comment on these pages.
- Dale, Chichester

Sean, grow up. You have no idea what you are talking about and I am embarrassed for you.
- Joe, Manchester

listen... most of you are partially right. Anyone who thinks cops don't get special treatment is just an ass. I'm not sure about the arson investigation laws but, i think the point that Sean was trying to make is that it's VERY hard to actually have charges pressed against a psycho woman!!! Yes.. i'm a woman myself. But i've seen so many men's lives distroyed by crazy women with fasle accusations. Women are assumed right, men assumed wrong. and what's worse is that this forces men to then plea out guilty on charges they didn't commit rather than pleading innocent, letting it be their word versus the crazy ladies, and go to jail anyhow. It is very very sad.
- Jennell, Hudson

Dale in Chichester, I honestly think you believe what your saying. Good for you. You can get in touch with me for specifics if you so wish. Bottom line, there has and is two sets of standards. The big difference today is the news paper prints alot more than they use to. Not every article is correct, but they bring to light alot of questions on who has been charged with what and who hasn't. As stated before, I'm glad the cop and family are ok. Cops have a tough enough job without going home and wondering if they'll live thru the night. because of a crazy stalker.
- Craig McIntosh, Chichester

Hey stacey he is making a remark on the judicial system which has nothing to do with his family. And Dale he isnt bashing any cops either. I as a victim of 2 stalkers can testify that the cops wouldnt even talk to me about my case unless i had some hard tangable facts (pictures, text messages, and witnesses ect...) and also that it doesnt work as swift for us savilians as it did for Mr Graton. Its a good thing he is a cop because now his family is more safe due to the protection he can provide.
- victoria, Manchester

And to remember i live on oak st which is the next street over from Lyford st and i always saw her walking her dog on and around my street. That officer is a very nice man and im glad that they got her cause he doesn't need that with the new baby there.
- K.L, Laconia

Craig, Chichester - First of all the article and comments were about Arson, not criminal mischief. Second of all, each case is unique - no two are the same. Many cases have suspects and many do not. Either way unless there is evidence that a particular person has actually committed the crime no amount of investigation will change that fact. Just because you think you know who did it - unless there is some evidence that can provide probable cause- then there is no arrest, and no arrest means no prosecution. And a successful prosecution needs proof beyond a reasonable doubt - a higher standard still. It doesn't matter who the victim is, but matters what the case reveals. Investigations can be of many levels. Was there any physical evidence left by the alleged suspect, was it gathered and processed, and then tied to the suspect? Just the mere fact that statements were taken leads me to believe that the police did investigate - as statements are part of an investigatory nature. Thus your claim would be false - it was investigated. Successfully - probably not - but that has nothing to do with who you are - but with facts gathered during the investigation that evidently did not lead to an arrest. If you take issue with that then avenue to follow is to question the police chief, and if not satisfied, his boss - the selectmen, then the county attorney's office, then the AG's office. But to state it depends on who you are is the barometer to determine whether an investigation is performed, and in the same statement state that statements were taken is contrary in itself. Unless, of course, you are inferring that because of who you are is the reason an investigation was done. In the case being commented on there was evidence (as reported in the original article) indicating the suspect indeed was the person who allegedly committed this crime. And yes, there are limited resources. Crimes which have caused, or could have caused, severe injury or death will obviously have a higher priority and more resorces expended than a property crime - again its not who you are, but the nature of the crime.
- Dale, Chichester

Good thing the family is safe, there was a brand new baby in that house, it's unfortunate that we have certain people making negative comments about the officer and the way they investigated the case. This lady's behavior was obviously esculating so they had no choice but to work quickly, who knows what could have happened next. Maybe a week isnt long but it must have been for that poor family that had to sleep there every night wondering if they'd wake the next morning
- ELG, Laconia NH

Dale in Chichester, It matters on who you are, on how are things are handled. In the last 4 years (in Chichester) I had a car stolen out of my driveway, flat tires on both my truck, cars and on my wife's (ex) car. I've have broken windshield's, contaminated brake fluid and cut brake lines. Statements were taken, no investigation was even started. Unless I had a suspect (which I did, but no proof), nothing could be done. I have spent 1000.00's on repairs. Not everyone is treated the same. These items are just to name a few. I'm extremely glad this cop and family are ok, and they know who did it. In a perfect world everyone is treated the same, we all know this world is far from perfect.
- Craig McIntosh, Chichester

"he went to Dunkin' Donuts on South Main Street for a coffee in his uniform.....When she waited on him, and he put out his money for the coffee"

Yeah, right....
- John, Manch.

In another news article (in a different newspaper) about this incident, there was mention that the officer claimed he did not have a sexual relationship with this woman. Is that the claim here? That he never had relations with this woman in the past?
- Gus, Manchester

Pauline, Read the articule... it clearly states the officers name... DUH... Also, Sean and Mike, Manchester, they investigate these crimes as a person started a fire on our home and thank GOD the rain put it out. It was investigated although no charges were ever brought forth. The guy tramatized the entire neighborhood instead of just ME.
- Dee M, Manchester

Mike, Manchester - Your assumption is incorrect, and perhaps you should stop making them. Secondly this particular arson was an attempt to destroy a house with people in it - thus would receive a complete an investigation regardless of who the victims are. It is very obvious that resources in today's age must be managed efficiently, and the amount of effort to investigate a small brush fire started by an arsonist that leaves no clues might not be investigated with as much vigor as one involiving the potential, or actual death, of an individual or family. But as any investigator who knows anything about arson - you investigate each and every case as thoroughly as can be done because arsonists tend to escalate their work over time. The earlier they are stopped the better. And that is one from one who has actually investigated a fair share of them regardless of who the victim is or the size of the fire.
- Dale, Chichester

Its really a sad case. This happens now and then with men in uniform. I had the same problem years ago when I drove a ice cream truck. Lets hope she can get some help.
- Leon, Manchester

Dale,

You've obviously never been part of an arson investigation. The vast (and I mean VAST) majority of arsons that don't cause death or serious injury are not investigated. Especially in today’s economy, there is barely enough money to follow up on fatal arsons, let alone trash can fires. The ONLY reason this was investigated was because the victim is an officer.
- Mike, Manchester

Ah, to only be a woman today. Harass anyone, and be told ..."after supervising officers repeatedly told Halsey-Carter to stop contacting the officer, stop trying to see him and to stop calling him."
If this were a man, he would have been cuffed and stuffed continuously (as should happen). But no, special rights prevail. I bet you cannot wait until this happens to you! And I hope it does... Just remember who your representatives are, so things will only get worse for you, if you are a man.
- Kevin, Portsmouth, NH

Sean..
Are you for real? Do you have a family?? I hope that nothing like this ever happens to anyone you love.. If this fire would of ignited the house, 2 innocent children and 2 innocent adults would could have died.
Wow, sad you live your life so negatively.
- Stacie, Concord

Ok so they didn't want to state the cops name, but they put the street he lives on in the article? Not smart.
Anyone can do some searching and find out where this cop lives now.
Also, there was no reason to state who else was there since this only puts them in danger now as well.
People are nuts and we should especially protect not only the identity of the victim, but those around them and where they live.
- Pauline, Franklin

Sean, you are an ass! This type of case would have been investigated in all circumstances, and its not unsual for arsons, or attempted arson, to take weeks or months of investigations to be able to identify a suspect and arrest. The cop bashing is really is starting to go over the top!
- Dale, Chichester

I'm glad to hear everyone stayed safe. Hopefully this will be enough to get her the help she so obviously needs to get better and move on with her life.
- dls, Manchester

Thank God the officer's family is safe.
- Jim, Manchester

I don't understand why the police will identify victims of some crimes but not others. (excluding sex crimes of course) Can anyone explain why, say the victim of a vicious mugging and beating is identified, but not the name of the victim being stalked in this case?
- Sam, Concord

If that was a TV repair man, they would tell him there is no proof and there is nothing they can do, sorry.

Good thing he's a cop, so its ok to spend over a week getting the case, to charge her, together! Not saying she shouldn't get busted, she is clearly a nut job, but lets be real... after finding a can on fire, you and I would be told to "get pictures or video" of the crime in progress!
- Sean, Salem

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