Community mourns N.H. officer fatally shot while responding to domestic dispute

BRENTWOOD, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Town offices in Brentwood, N.H. were closed Tuesday as the community mourned the loss of a police officer who was killed while responding to a domestic dispute Monday afternoon.

Officials say Officer Steve Arkell was responding to a 911 call on Mill Pond Road just after 4 p.m. when he was shot. Another officer tried to enter the home, but was repelled by gunfire. A short time later, a fire began inside the home.

Investigators believe the alleged shooter, 47-year-old Michael Nolan, was fighting with his elderly father. The 47-year-old is believed to have been killed in the subsequent house fire and an explosion.

An official from Exeter Hospital confirmed that they received one patient from the scene, but that person had not suffered a gunshot wound.

As an investigation continues, the community is mourning the loss of a veteran officer.

"Tonight, I join all Granite Staters in mourning the loss of Brentwood Police Officer Steve Arkell," Governor Maggie Hassan said Monday night.

New Hampshire State Senator Jeanne Shaheen tweeted that her "thoughts are with the entire Brentwood community and first responders on the scene."

Several police departments, including in Boston, also tweeted their condolences to the Brentwood Police Department.

A candlelight vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Brentwood Recreation Center.

Cox Media Group