Daniel Mercado, 24, of Nashua, was arrested on July 5 for allegedly making online death threats against police. Courtesy photo/Nashua Police Department

NASHUA – Daniel Mercado, 24, of Nashua, was taken into custody on July 5 for allegedly making deadly threats against Nashua Police officers.

According to police, on July 3, officers received a report that Mercado had posted on social media that he intended to “kill Nashua Police officers by shooting them, hitting them with his vehicle and throwing explosives at them while driving around in his car.”

Two days later, police located Mercado in his vehicle and attempted to pull him over. However, Mercado reportedly refused to stop causing officers to engage in a pursuit. As Mercado drove south out of New Hampshire, the chase was turned over to Massachusetts State Police who ultimately placed him under arrest.

During further investigation, officers discovered that Mercado claimed to have planted explosives in Nashua and Merrimack that were timed to detonate on the Fourth of July. However, it was later determined that these were false claims.

Mercado has since been charged with two counts of criminal threatening, making false reports, disobeying an officer and reckless driving.

Mercado was held on preventative detention and was scheduled to be arraigned on July 8 in the Ninth Circuit Nashua District Division Court.

Under state law, if convicted, Mercado could face up to 15 years in prison, up to five years probation and up to $6,500 in fines.