Editor’s note: This story is by Robert Blechl of The Caledonian Record, in which it was first published Jan. 8, 2014.
LITTLETON, N.H. — Thomas Sitsch, a retired Navy bomb expert from Monroe, N.H., charged in two states for violating a restraining order taken out by his wife, shot himself to death Monday outside Littleton Regional Health Care.
No one else appears to have been in danger at the time of the shooting, which occurred about 11 a.m. at the door to the hospital’s emergency room, said Littleton Police Chief Paul Smith.
About an hour later, Sitsch’s home along Sunset Drive in Monroe was blocked off to all traffic and two adjacent homes evacuated as bomb experts from the New Hampshire State Police Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit searched the residence for any devices or booby traps.
Because of his prior contact with law enforcement and experience with explosives, police felt there could be an explosive device in his car.
“We’ve had knowledge of the cases involving Mr. Sitsch for a long period of time and we always take these cases seriously, especially this one, based on his background,” said Smith. “Based on his training and experience, we felt we better be cautious, cordon off the hospital parking lot, allow his vehicle to be searched and reopen the parking lot when it was safe.”
No device was found in the car or the home, said Smith.
It appears Sitsch used a Glock 9-millimeter handgun, said Smith.
