Motor Vehicle Pursuit/Area Search, Route 16, Rochester/Milton, NH

On Friday, May 29, 2020, at approximately 10:37 a.m., Trooper Daniel Peete/NH State Police-Troop A, observed a vehicle in front of him traveling in excess of 80 mph on Route 16 northbound on the City of Rochester. Prior to initiating a motor vehicle stop, the vehicle in question made an abrupt turn onto the exit #15 off ramp. Trooper Peete attempted to follow the vehicle but lost sight of it. Moments later, Trooper Peete observed the same vehicle, identified as a 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and initiated a motor vehicle stop. The operator of the vehicle refused to stop and began to travel northbound on Route 16, accelerating to speeds in excess of 115 mph. The pursuit was immediately terminated at this point due to the public safety risk. A description of the vehicle was broadcast to area police departments. A short time later it was determined that the vehicle had been stolen out of the City of Dover, NH.

At 11:09 a.m., a Milton police officer located the vehicle abandoned in a wooded trail at the end of Ashwood Rd. An extensive search of the area began soon thereafter. Residents reported seeing a male and female running through various backyards. The State Police helicopter was called to assist with an aerial search, in conjunction with Troopers and local police officers conducting a ground search, including 2 State Police K-9 units. At 12:52 p.m., police received credible information from an area resident that determined it was likely that both individuals were no longer in the area. At this point the search was concluded. Investigation into the identity of both individuals involved is ongoing.

Troopers assigned to NH State Police-Troop A, Troop G, the Mobile Enforcement Team, the Special Enforcement Unit, and the K-9 Unit were all involved in this search. They were assisted by members of the Milton Police Department and the Farmington Police Department. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Trooper Daniel Peete/NH State Police-Troop A at 603-223-8490, or via email at daniel.peete@dos.nh.gov.