Middle finger gesture results in arrest

[February 07, 2009]  PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) -- A Portsmouth, N.H., man has been jailed on a felony charge of violating a protective order after he allegedly showed his middle finger to the person who filed it. The two were dining separately at a restaurant on Jan. 24 when police said a 42-year-old man made the gesture.

A police affidavit said the man eventually left "with some assistance from restaurant staff."

Police Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn said violation of protective order charges can be brought as felonies when the allegations are second offenses. However, he said, the city prosecution office is expected to dismiss the felony against the man on Monday, leaving a misdemeanor count of stalking.

The man was being held at the Rockingham County House of Corrections on $7,500 cash and $7,500 personal recognizance bail.

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Information from: Portsmouth Herald, http://www.seacoastonline.com

[Associated Press]

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