SALEM — A 42-year-old man allegedly assaulted his parents then tried to draw a pellet gun on a Salem police officer late Friday night.

The suspect, Anthony Martinez, 42, later told police officers “it was his intention to die that night,” according to police.

He is charged with simple assault, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled drug.

Police were called to 10 Tiffany Road, Apt. 1, for a domestic disturbance, where Martinez allegedly pushed his 65-year-old father then broke a rocking chair in half by smashing it on the floor.

Martinez had argued with his father and 66-year-old mother then barricaded himself in his bedroom, police said.

Police officers forced the bedroom door open and found that Martinez allegedly had put a couch in front of the door, but he was no longer in the room.

He was found by another officer in a nearby parking lot minutes later, police said.

Officer Steve McPherson exited his cruiser and ordered Martinez to stop. Martinez tried to reach into a backpack twice while approaching McPherson, police said.

He refused to stop advancing on the officer, according to police.

Martinez was struck with a Taser and taken into custody. Police later found what they believe Martinez was reaching for: an “extremely real looking” Airsoft pellet gun in the backpack.

Martinez told officers it was his intention to die that night. He was brought to the police station and booked on four charges.

The drug charge was brought because Martinez allegedly had Vicodin on him. He was later brought to Rockingham County jail after refusing services of a bail commissioner.

For now, Martinez is facing misdemeanor charges and faces up to a year in jail if he is convicted of simple assault.

jkimble@newstote.com