Peterborough teen charged with felony threatening, police investigating alleged hostage taking

LACONIA — Police are investigating a potential hostage situation Monday night, after a Peterborough man was charged after an altercation at the former Laconia State School property.

Isaiah Rousseau, 18, of Peterborough, was charged with felony criminal threatening with a deadly weapon and felony use of body armor.

Chief Matt Canfield said Laconia Police responded to Right Way Path at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7, after reports of two people being taken hostage by a man. The person who contacted police said he was armed with a gun, and the alleged hostages were being taken into the woods.

“Responding officers arrived quickly and investigated,” Canfield said.

Canfield said police called several witnesses involved in the incident, who provided information about an altercation involving a firearm before police arrived. Officers then called someone who was a “victim of the kidnapping,” who reported  they had been threatened at gunpoint.

The victim reported a “younger male” wearing body armor armed with a rifle and a handgun was rummaging through their truck. The victim told police they suspected he stole something. After confronting the armed person, the victim reported he pointed a handgun at him. This allegedly led to a physical struggle, where the victim was able to disarm Rousseau.

Shortly after, officers found Rousseau on the State School property and detained him without issue. When interviewing Rousseau, Canfield said police determined he was wearing body armor, as well as carrying a pistol and rifle.

“He was initially detained with those on him,” Canfield said.

Rousseau was subsequently taken to the police station for further interviews. 

While Rousseau has not been charged for taking hostages or theft, police are still investigating.

Canfield said “more than two or three” witnesses have been interviewed, as well as the one reported victim. No injuries were reported.

Rousseau was read his charges Tuesday in Laconia District Court, and is currently being held without bail at Belknap County Jail.