MANCHESTER, N.H. — A police report says Manchester’s mayor performed life-saving measures on his longtime friend and former state director for New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte for a possible drug overdose hours after the man was charged in a prostitution sting.

The Manchester police report said Mayor Ted Gatsas went to David Wihby’s home to check on him after learning he was arrested Friday. He first called Wihby’s house and Wihby’s wife, Linda, answered. She told Gatsas that Wihby was sleeping and she wasn’t going to wake him, the report said.

“Mr. Gatsas was yelling at Mrs. Wihby (saying) he needed to speak with her husband,” the police report said.

When Gatsas arrived, he went to Wihby’s bedroom and saw he was having trouble breathing and his lips were blue. Gatsas called 911.

Following the operator’s instructions, Gatsas performed CPR and rescue breathing until firefighters arrived and took over. Police asked Gatsas why he thought Wihby overdosed and he mentioned the arrest.

Wihby is recovering; Gatsas declined to comment.

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The 62-year-old Wihby resigned from Ayotte’s staff after his arrest. Ayotte released a statement Saturday saying she was shocked at the arrest of a man she described as “a friend for many years.”

“David obviously cannot continue his duties, and I have accepted his resignation,” Ayotte had said. “This is a very difficult time, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”

Police said the 10 men charged were picked up in a sting operation at two city hotels and charged with prostitution and related offenses. The men range in age from 28 to 64.

Wihby posted a $2,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Nashua District Court on May 11, police said.


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