Arrest/Motor Vehicle Pursuit - NH Route 202A, Rochester

On Friday, January 22, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Trooper Gary Wood Jr. of the New Hampshire State Police Troop-A was stopped at the intersection of Ten Rod Road and North Main Street in the City of Rochester when he observed a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee pass by him traveling southbound on North Main Street. This Grand Cherokee had no registration plates attached and had no functioning taillights. Tr. Wood turned onto North Main Street and noticed this Grand Cherokee had quickly accelerated away from the intersection and appeared to be attempting to elude him. Tr. Wood was able to catch up to this vehicle and noticed the driver was having significant lane control issues as the vehicle turned onto Twombly Street and then West onto NH Route 202A. During this time, Tr. Wood attempted to the stop the vehicle, with no effect and a pursuit was initiated. As the Grand Cherokee travelled West on Route 202A, it increased its speed in an attempted to distance itself from Tr. Wood. Fortunately, the Grand Cherokee suffered a mechanical failure to its drivetrain shortly after the pursuit was initiated, which disabled the vehicle and brought it to a controlled stop on Route 202A near Fiddlehead Ln. The occupants were taken into custody without incident.

The driver is identified as Brandon Dexter, age 26 of Rochester, NH. He is being charged with Aggravated DWI, Disobeying an Officer, Driving after Suspension subsequent offense, and Driving an unregistered vehicle. He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in the 7th Circuit- District Division- Rochester Court on February 10th for his arraignment.

The New Hampshire State Police Troop-A were assisted by Rochester Police Department during this incident.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Tr. Gary Wood of the New Hampshire State Police, Troop-A Barracks at (603)223-4381 or Gary.J.Woodjr@dos.nh.gov.