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Dennis Lee Joos

Case from Colebrook, NH dated Aug 19, 1997

Victim Details

Dennis Lee Joos

Male

White / Caucasian

Colebrook

NH

1997-08-19

51

Dennis

Lee Joos

Primary Suspect Deceased

06/29/2026

Case Description

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On a tragic day in Colebrook, New Hampshire, Dennis Lee Joos, a 51-year-old White male, lost his life in a heroic attempt to stop a deadly rampage. The events of August 19, 1997, began to unfold when a local resident, Carl Drega, who had a history of disputes with local officials, was pulled over in a supermarket parking lot. Drega responded with gunfire, killing New Hampshire State Trooper Scott Phillips. Shortly after, Trooper Leslie Lord arrived at the scene and was also shot and killed by Dr ...
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Links to Additional Sources (10)

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  • Carnegie Hero Fund Commission: Dennis Joos – Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
  • WMUR: Friday marks 25 years since Drega shootings in Colebrook
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    Forum Posts (3)

    I recently came across this tragic case from 1997 and felt compelled to learn more about the people ... ...Read More
    07/03/2024
    Hello everyone,
    I've been thinking about Dennis Lee Joos and the incredibly brave actions he took... ...Read More
    07/29/2023
    I’ve been reading a lot about the tragic events in Colebrook and one detail that stands out to me ... ...Read More
    04/14/2023
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