CHARLESTOWN, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella has concluded that a Charlestown police officer acted lawfully when he shot a man during a pursuit in November 2025.

The Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that its investigation determined Officer Jacob Sands was legally justified in using deadly force against 23-year-old Christian Paquette during an incident in Charlestown on the night of Nov. 14, 2025.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the encounter began around 8:30 p.m. when Sands attempted to stop a vehicle that was speeding and did not have visible license plates. Authorities said the driver, later identified as Paquette, failed to stop immediately, leading to a pursuit.

Investigators said Paquette eventually pulled the vehicle over and fled on foot. During the ensuing chase, Sands fired multiple rounds, striking Paquette in the abdomen and arm.

Although Paquette survived the shooting, state law classifies the officer’s actions as the use of deadly force, requiring an independent review by the Attorney General’s Office. Following what officials described as a comprehensive investigation, the office determined the officer’s use of deadly force met the legal standard for justification.

The Attorney General’s Office said it is not releasing additional details about its investigation because Paquette is facing criminal charges filed by the Sullivan County Attorney’s Office stemming from the Nov. 14 incident. Those charges remain pending.

Citing New Hampshire’s Rules of Professional Conduct, the Attorney General’s Office said providing further information while the criminal case is ongoing could jeopardize the legal proceedings. Officials said a complete investigative report, including the evidence, findings and legal analysis supporting the decision, will be released after Paquette’s case has concluded.