PLYMOUTH-Robert Muller, 47, formerly of Meredith died on October the 8th when he shot himself after a 20 minute armed confrontation with the New Hampshire police forces.
State Police Lt. Mark Myrdek observed Muller speeding and driving erratically on 93 North. Mydek pulled the blue Cheverolet Camero over near exit 22 around 2pm Friday afternoon.
After pulling over, a very distressed Muller exited his vehicle and pointed a small caliber handgun at Myrdek. Lt. Myrdek proceeded to take cover behind his cruiser and call for back up.
Muller proceeded towards the woods at the edge of the interstate and pointed the weapon at his own head.
Additional police forces arrived shortly. The responding forces included officers from; Sanbornton, Tilton, State Police troops B, D, E, and F, the State Police SWAT team, New Hampshire Fish and Game, New Hampshire Highway Patrol, and Plymouth State University Campus Police.
Officers secured the area, cleared traffic, and stopped travel on both north and south bound lanes.
John Sonia of the Crisis Negotiation Unit tried to persuade Muller to a peaceful surrender. Those attempts failed when, after 20 minutes, Muller shot himself once in the arm and once in the stomach.
Muller died of his wounds at Franklin Regional Hospital.
Capt. David Kelley of the State Police Investigative Bureau later commented: “The police officers did everything in their power to make sure [the suicide] did not happen. Unfortunately it did not end that way,” said Kelly.
Police also recovered an explosive device on the side of the road near Muller’s vehicle. It is unclear whether this device belonged to Muller or if its appearance on the scene was a coincidence.
The incident is still under investigation by the State Police Major Crimes Unit. No additional information has been released with the exception of his name which was not released until October 12th.
The reason for his agitated state and his subsequent suicide is unknown.
Sgt. Clarke of Campus Police responded to the scene on that day. Clarke helped to secure the area. Clarke was unable to elaborate on the situation, he states, “The State Police are still investigating.”