Court docs: Spirko wanted to 'kill a cop,' threatened to burn down a cottage

Justin A. Spirko —Courtesy
Published: 08-29-2024 10:55 AM |
WEIRS BEACH — Justin Spirko, charged last week with the attempted capital murder of a Laconia police officer, apparently told New Hampshire State Police he wanted to “kill a cop” after law enforcement officers arrested him. Court documents indicate he threatened to burn down the house of a neighbor, which prompted a police response.
Spirko, 38, of or formerly of Londonderry, struck Officer John Skehan while driving an SUV in the area of the Weirs one week ago. Spirko, who is held without bail on multiple charges including attempted capital murder and driving while intoxicated, according to court documents.
Officer Erica Beliveau responded on foot to a reported dispute at Sun Valley Cottages around 7:25 p.m. on Aug. 22. Court records indicate Spirko maintained temporary residence at the cottages.
Upon Beliveau’s arrival, Spirko was apparently sitting in a parked Honda CRV outside one of the cottages. He put the vehicle in drive and accelerated toward Beliveau, who avoided injury by jumping out of the way. Spirko continued onto Endicott Street North, traveling southbound toward the city.
Skehan was standing outside his police cruiser which was parked along the roadway. Spirko allegedly veered right, crossing into a breakdown lane and struck the left side of Skehan’s cruiser before striking the officer himself.
“Officer Skehan was walking on the side of the road when the defendant purposely hit him with his vehicle, causing several broken bones and other injuries,” court documents read. “Prior to that he had swerved at Officer Beliveau forcing her to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.”
Skehan sustained serious leg injuries, identified in court documents as bone breaks. He was transported to Concord Hospital and underwent surgery on Friday before being released in stable condition on Sunday, less than 72 hours later.
Upon his arrest, Spirko was transported to Concord Hospital-Laconia and treated for minor injuries. He is held without bail at the Belknap County Jail and is scheduled to appear before a judge at Laconia Superior Court on Thursday, Oct. 17 for a probation violation hearing.
Article continues after...
Yesterday's Most Read Articles






Spirko is serving a one-year suspended sentence for reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, stemming from an incident this spring when he fired a crossbow bolt into a wall in the direction of a public roadway in Belmont before apparently threatening responding officers at the scene. He was given credit for the 107 days he’d already served in jail.
Spirko allegedly violated the terms of his probation when he was charged with numerous crimes related to the attempted killing of Skehan. Responding officers at the scene determined he was intoxicated and apparently failed to comply with court-ordered mental health treatment. Court documents indicate Spirko completed an intake appointment at Paugus Bay Behavioral Health on Aug. 7, but refused to attend any subsequent appointments.
The supporting summary for the request for a violation of probation hearing in Belknap County Superior Court was submitted by Probation and Parole Officer Cecilia Stone on Aug. 23.
Stone told the court Spriko was placed on probation for two years in the Belmont case on July 22, and ordered to comply with all laws, not consume alcohol and report to mental health counseling. Spirko told Stone over email he felt the counselor he’d been assigned was not “a good fit” for him.
Stone encouraged Spirko to either ask to work with a different counselor at Paugus Bay Behavioral Health or to seek treatment with a different provider and offered to help Spirko find another provider.
At a meeting of Laconia City Council Monday night, councilors stood and applauded after Mayor Andrew Hosmer called Skehan a hero and noted he’d been discharged from the hospital.
“As we all know, on Thursday, Aug. 22, while attempting to stop a suspect near Route 3, Rollercoaster Road and Watson Road, Laconia police Officer John Skehan faced an act that can only be described as sheer malice,” Hosmer said. “A suspect deliberately ran him down, attempting to end his life solely because he was wearing the uniform of a Laconia police officer.”
Hosmer told councilors Skehan leaped out of the way just before being hit by Spirko, potentially saving his life.
“Though his injuries were serious, less than 72 hours later and only 48 hours after significant surgery, John demonstrated the resilience that embodies the spirit of our first responders. He rose from his hospital bed, transitioned from a wheelchair and walked out of Concord Hospital where dozens of local and state police gathered to honor him as he begins his long journey to full recovery.”
In describing the ordeal as “sobering”, Hosmer said people are reminded of the inherent risk undertaken by law enforcement officers.
“It’s a poignant reminder of the courage and risks all first responders — police officers, firefighters, paramedics — embrace every day while selflessly serving the people of Laconia,” Hosmer said. “Officer Skehan, as many of you know, has deep roots here in this community. A fifth-generation police officer, his family is a proud part of this community, not just as residents but as active contributors to the safety and wellbeing of our city.”