Officer Michael Leland Briggs

Officer Michael Leland Briggs

Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire

End of Watch Tuesday, October 17, 2006

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Michael Leland Briggs

Officer Michael Briggs succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted the previous morning when he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call.

Both officers were on bicycle patrol, and they located one of the participants in an alley at the corner of Lake Avenue and Lincoln Streets. Officer Briggs was shot in the head as he was questioning the male subject.

Officer Briggs was transported to Elliott Hospital, where he remained until succumbing to the wound.

The suspect fled the state but was arrested later in the day while hiding in his grandmother's home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In an odd twist, it was discovered that the suspect was the same man whose life Officer Briggs had saved in 2003 following a shooting. The suspect was convicted in November 2008 of Capital Murder and sentenced to death. He is the only inmate on New Hampshire's death row. The last New Hampshire death sentence was in 1959.

Officer Briggs was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Manchester Police Department for 5 years. He had previously served as a correctional officer for the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections for 6 years. During his time as a correctional officer, he also served as a part-time officer with the Epsom Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and three sisters.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge 83
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Monday, October 16, 2006
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to death

bike patrol, domestic

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Briggs, it has been 17 years since you were taken from us. I was and have always been amazed at how the City of Manchester turned out to support your family and the Department. The eerie silence that I have never heard in that City during your procession was deafening!

New Hampshire law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military, corrections and law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

October 17, 2023

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