Scott D. Porter, a 63-year-old Dover man, is in preventive detention after allegedly pointing a firearm at his wife during a tense five-hour standoff with police on February 2.
Porter has been charged with felony domestic violence, criminal threatening, and the fear of bodily injury, all stemming from the intense incident. Additionally, he faces two misdemeanor charges: domestic violence simple assault and obstructing the reporting of a crime or injury.
The domestic confrontation led to a SWAT team response, and some neighbors were evacuated for their safety. Dover police confirmed that Porter was initially unresponsive when approached but was eventually taken into custody with the help of the Strafford County Regional Tactical Operations Unit.
According to police, Porter’s wife told officers that he had been intoxicated and was experiencing a mental health crisis. She expressed concern that Porter might harm himself or her during the ordeal. After being safely evacuated, she explained that she feared becoming a “murder-suicide statistic.”
Judge Sawako Gardner, in Tuesday’s hearing, ruled to keep Porter detained, citing the safety concerns of both the victim and the community. Porter remains in custody pending further proceedings.
