Rockingham County Attorney’s Office

Press Release

For more information contact:

Jim Reams 603-642-4249

County Attorney review shows accidental discharge by Hampton Officer

Brentwood - County Attorney Jim Reams announced today that his review of the investigation of the conduct of a Hampton Officer last December was not unreasonable under the circumstances.  “It is clear that the information provided to the police by the citizen complaint in conjunction with the subsequent conduct of Mr. Bartimo placed the responding officers in legitimate fear of imminent bodily harm.  The officer’s decision to draw his firearm was objectively reasonable.  Mr. Bartimo acknowledged to investigators that he ‘knew what happened’ referring to his quick movements toward the officer resulted in the shot being fired”, said Reams.

The actual discharge appears to have been unintentional.  “Reviewing the totality of the circumstances, the officer’s conduct does not meet the definition of criminal recklessness,” Reams reported. 

“This closes this case concerning any possible criminal charges against either Mr. Bartimo or Officer Karpenko”, Reams added.