On December 15, 2014, at approximately 4:25 PM, Raymond and Sandra Gladu, Pelham, New Hampshire were sitting on separate chairs in their living room when they heard a loud noise and saw a large cloud of dust appear over Raymond’s head. In absolute disbelief, they located a bullet hole that entered their residence and flew over Raymond’s head and entered into an interior wall. They immediately called the Pelham Police Department.

Prior to the police arriving, Michael Crooker, age 25, Pelham, New Hampshire knocked on the Gladu’s door to apologize for shooting a 12 gauge shotgun in the direction of their home.

Officers arrived at 9 Campbell Road and observed the shotgun hole in the exterior of the home and were able to locate a shotgun slug in an interior wall. The Gladu’s were emotionally upset, however, they were grateful that they did not get hit by the shotgun slug.

Officers spoke with Crooker and were able to seize the shotgun without incident. An immediate investigation revealed that Crooker attempted to shoot a deer in the wooded area behind his house. He missed the deer and the shotgun slug went directly through the Gladu’s residence nearly hitting Raymond.

As a result of the investigation, Crooker was placed under arrest and charged with Felony Reckless Conduct, Prohibition (shooting a firearm within 300ft of an occupied dwelling), Unlawful Use of a Firearm, Negligent Discharge of Firearms, and a violation of Attempting to take a deer with a firearm after the end of deer firearm season. The firearm deer season ended on December 7th in the State of New Hampshire.

Crooker was released on $5,000 PR bail. He is scheduled to appear in the 10th Circuit District Division – Salem on January 26, 2015 at 8:00 AM.

Over the past two months the Pelham Police Department have responded to nine hunting complaints. The complaints were in regards to hunters shooting close to people’s homes. This is the first near fatal incident.  

Information on the New Hampshire hunting laws/seasons can be found on the New Hampshire Fish and Game website at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

Any questions can be directed to Lt. Anne Perriello or Sgt. Glen Chase at (603) 635-2411.

Alert sent on 12/16/2014 at 12:36PM EST

CROOKER	BULLET HOLE

CAMPBELL ROAD, PELHAM, NH 03038

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Alert delivered to the following groups: COMMUNITY EVENTS and PRESS RELEASE

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