At approximately 9:32 p.m. on July 4, 2026, a Rochester man was arrested following an incident involving the unauthorized display of fireworks that police say escalated when officers attempted to arrest him.
According to court documents, Rochester Police responded to Robbins Automotive, 20 Summer Street, following reports of fireworks being displayed without the required municipal permit. Rochester’s Fireworks Ordinance (§ 75-16) makes it unlawful to “use, discharge, or explode any permissible fireworks without a permit issued by the City of Rochester.”
Officers had previously been dispatched to the property to speak with Douglas A. Robbins, 40, for not having a proper permit to display fireworks. According to Police, Robbins told officers he would still be displaying fireworks and was informed that if he did so, he would be subject to criminal charges. Police confirmed there had been a valid pyrotechnics permit approved for an event date of July 3 for a fireworks display. There was also a valid, but separate, special events permit for a block party starting on July 3 and ending on July 4. A special events permit, however, does not cover the display of fireworks.
Upon returning to the property, officers advised Robbins that he would be issued a summons and escorted him toward police cruisers. Police allege Robbins began waving his hands in an upward motion at a large crowd of people across Columbus Avenue in order to invoke a reaction from the crowd before walking into the roadway.
When officers attempted to place him under arrest, police allege that Robbins resisted by pulling his arms away and turning his body to face officers. As officers continued attempting to take him into custody, police allege he grabbed Officer Riley LeClair in a front-facing headlock. According to court documents, Officer LeClair suffered injuries to the left side of his head, including a large red mark, swelling, bruising, and a contusion of the mandibular joint. The officer was seen by emergency room personnel at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and returned to work afterward.
Robbins was arrested and charged with Class B felony riot, Class A misdemeanor disorderly conduct, Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest or detention, Class A misdemeanor simple assault, and a violation for the unauthorized display of fireworks. He was held at the Strafford County Jail pending arraignment in Rochester District Court.
A review of police body-worn cameras (BWC) was completed by Police Chief Gary Boudreau in an after-action review.
“After a review of the BWC, along with bystander videos posted online, I stand behind the actions of the police officers who responded and were placed in a difficult position by this individual’s choices,” said Chief Boudreau. “Earlier in the day, officers had multiple contacts with Mr. Robbins in an effort to educate and inform him that he did not possess the proper permit for his intended fireworks display on Saturday night, July 4. Unfortunately, he made choices which resulted in his arrest.”
