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Former Portsmouth Police Commissioner Faces Charges For August Shooting

City of Portsmouth

A former Portsmouth police commissioner is facing felony charges for her role in an August shooting.

Brenna Cavanaugh, who spent four years on the commission before stepping down last year, was indicted by a grand jury for attempted first degree assault and criminal mischief.  

Prosecutors allege a teenager entered the home shared by Cavanaugh and Mark Gray, thinking there was a party inside. Cavanaugh and Gray then chased the teen outside, where Gray allegedly fired a gun six times at the teen’s car as it drove off. Bullets struck the car, but there were no reported injuries.

“We have information that we felt comfortable presenting...to the grand jury, and the grand jury felt comfortable deciding that there was probable cause,” said Jennifer Haggar, deputy county attorney for Rockingham. She declined to comment on any evidence or witnesses.

The teenager is identified in court paperwork only by his initials. Damages to his vehicle exceed $1,500.

Gray is also facing felony charges for his role in the shooting. Prosecutors say an arraignment in Superior Court has not yet been scheduled.

As a general assignment reporter, I pursue breaking news as well as investigative pieces across a range of topics. I’m drawn to stories that are big and timely, as well as those that may appear small but tell us something larger about the state we live in. I also love a good tip, a good character, or a story that involves a boat ride.
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