PTSD Veteran Getting Help After Standoff

Standoff suspect offered treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
Seacoast Online
By Kyle Stucker
July 11, 2014 - 2:00 AM

SEABROOK — State prosecutors say they believe a "pretty unusual" agreement following a recent armed standoff will be the best way to seek justice for the violent crime while providing the suspect the specialized help he needs.

Anthony Reardon, 44, of South Hampton, who allegedly stole and crashed police cruisers during a June 3 incident outside his home, appeared in Seabrook District Court on Thursday to finalize an agreement that would allow him to receive outside treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder instead of sitting in a jail cell and awaiting his indictment on numerous charges.

Reardon, a veteran who served two tours in the Middle East, will be transported to a Veterans Affairs facility and crisis center in Nashua before beginning a 12-week PTSD treatment program in Montrose, N.Y.

N.H. State Police prosecutor Jean Reed said Thursday it's important that suspects and prisoners like Reardon be given opportunities to receive treatment, but she added the treatment doesn't mean the state is no longer pursuing a full criminal case against him.

"If he were to remain at the jail, he wouldn't be getting the treatment that he'll be able to get at the hands of the veterans' administration," Reed said. "Because they're willing to step up to the plate ... he's able to go to their program and remain there pending his trial on (criminal) charges."

Reed said it will be several weeks before a bed in Nashua is available, and once Reardon is transported from jail, he will still be considered held on $100,000 cash bail for four counts of criminal mischief, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking and two counts of reckless conduct.

Reardon was arrested June 3 after police found him distraught outside his home. At about 5:15 p.m., Reardon refused to lower multiple rifles he had on him before stealing two State Police cruisers and crashing them into trees, as well as Kensington and Hampton Falls police cruisers. He later barricaded himself inside his home.

Veterans Affairs will oversee Reardon's transportation from the Rockingham County jail to Nashua, although his family members will oversee the transportation to New York.
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