Portsmouth newsroom stabbing: Newmarket man charged

PORTSMOUTH — A patron of the Newsroom is accused of a June 22 stabbing inside the 48-year-old downtown bar and music venue, police said Tuesday.

Jazmin Diaz Barrientos, 23, of Newmarket, is charged with second-degree assault, two counts of criminal threats with a deadly weapon and reckless driving, all Class B felonies. Barrientos has also been charged with two counts of simple assault, Class A misdemeanors, and disorderly conduct, which is a Class B misdemeanor, police said.

Portsmouth police and firefighters were dispatched to the Daniel Street business at 12:13 a.m. Saturday, June 22, for a reported fight. Police said investigators determined Barrientos stabbed a victim in the chest with a knife during an altercation.

The victim, whose identity has not been released by police, was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. A warrant was later obtained for Barrientos’ arrest, police said.

The alleged conflict involved only two individuals, according to Portsmouth Police Capt. Nicholas Small.

“He was treated and released that night,” Small said Tuesday when asked about the victim’s condition.

Barrientos surrendered to a Portsmouth police warrant Monday and was released on personal recognizance, police said.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the reported fight and have not yet determined a motive for the alleged stabbing.

“We’re still trying to investigate that piece,” Small said.

Barrientos is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth District Court on Monday, August 12 at 8 a.m. It was not immediately clear whether Barrientos has an attorney.

City police continue to investigate the incident. Police are asking witnesses to contact Portsmouth Officer Nicholas Young at (603) 610-7645 or [email protected].

“Additionally, we are asking for assistance from anyone who may have video footage of the incident,” Portsmouth police wrote in announcing the arrest Tuesday.

Anonymous tips about the alleged incident can be submitted through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431-1199, at seacoastcrimestoppers.com or via the “P3” mobile app. Police said a $1,000 reward is available for information leading to an arrest or indictment.

This story may be updated.