The Merrimack Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested a Greenfield man last month and seized his phone.
Noah Saari, 22, of 239 County Road in Greenfield was being interviewed by Merrimack police on May 30 for a crime that had been previously committed, police said in a press release.
“As the investigation progressed, to include statements made during this interview, detectives administering the interview attempted to seize an item, specifically a cell phone, from Saari as the detective believed it contained evidence of a crime,” the press release said.
This led to a physical altercation with the detective, police said. “Despite being asked to voluntarily relinquish the phone to prevent being charged with obstructing government administration, Saari prevented the detective from seizing the phone. Saari then attempted to access the phone, at which point the detective restrained Saari from potentially destroying evidence until another officer arrived. Saari then surrendered the phone.”
Saari was taken into custody and charged with obstructing government administration, a misdemeanor level offense.
He was later released on personal recognizance bail.