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NH Man Damages Sprinklers, Floods Police Department During Booking: PD

Authorities say the booking room and cell blocks were filled with more than 6 inches of water

A New Hampshire man arrested for alleged drunk driving is facing additional charges after police say he damaged an overhead sprinkler and flooded the police station.

Concord police said Matthew Miller, 28, was stopped at about 12:19 a.m. Tuesday for lane violations near the state prison on North State Street. He was arrested after failing field sobriety tests and taken to the police station, authorities said.

Once the booking process began, police said the arresting officer went to retrieve some paperwork. When the officer returned, Miller had allegedly destroyed an overhead fire prevention sprinkler which lead to the activation of other sprinklers.

"Somehow he got himself up there and decided it would be a good idea to take a shower," Lt. Sean Ford said chuckling.

The booking room was filled with more than six inches of water and computer systems and other electronics were damaged, police said. Water also flooded cell blocks and the processing station.

"It came down on a lot of computer stations, electronic finger print machines, and what not," Ford said. "We were not very happy with this individual."

Authorities said the booking room was out of service for hours until the equipment could be replaced. The damage cost thousands of dollars.

Miller, of Wilmot, is facing charges of driving under the influence, criminal mischief and interference with fire alarm apparatus.

Ford said Miller would've likely been released after seeing a bail commissioner but he's now facing two felony charges for interfering with the fire alarm system. Miller could now face up to six years in state prison due to the charges.

"Make better choices," Ford suggested.

Miller was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Merrimack County Superior Court and released. He's due back in court in October.

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