Police arrest fugitive of the week, others on drug charges

LACONIA — New Hampshire’s fugitive of the week Justin R. Washburn, 33, was arrested Wednesday night by city police at the Circle K gas station on Union Avenue.

“We located him in the restroom at Circle K. I'm not sure how they developed that information,” said Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield. “They took him into custody. He was transported back and subsequently charged.”

Washburn was wanted for a parole violation after a strong arm robbery with a deadly weapon. He also has a previous escape conviction and a history of leaving supervised custody, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Washburn was just one of several people arrested in a sweep Wednesday night thanks to the Granite Shield grant, provided by the state for combating drug issues.

“We had a number of officers out last night who were out working drug surveillance teams in high-crime areas,” Canfield said.

Two other individuals, Jerod Brining and Mandee Greene, also were arrested Wednesday night.

“Brining was arrested at Davis Place Beach for carrying and selling weapons and two counts of possession of a controlled drug,” Canfield said. “It is believed to be fentanyl and meth.”

Greene was arrested on Union Avenue just before 10 p.m. on a bench warrant. According to Canfield, Greene resisted arrest and was subsequently charged for doing so. Greene was also charged with possession of a controlled drug believed to be meth and fentanyl.