Pursuit On Route 101, I-95 Ends With Arrest

EXETER, N.H. – On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 9:21 p.m., State Troopers assigned to the Troop A barracks received information regarding a vehicle that had fled from officers with the Epping Police Department at a high rate of speed along Route 101 eastbound in Epping. Minutes later, Trooper Brian Hanna observed the vehicle, a silver 2005 Honda Accord, traveling at a speed greater than 120 mph along Route 101 eastbound near Exit 10 in Exeter.

Trooper Hanna attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the Honda, however, the vehicle continued eastbound at a high rate of speed along Route 101. After briefly exiting the highway at Exit 12, the Honda reentered the highway and continued to flee along Route 101 into Hampton.

Approximately three minutes after the initial pursuit began, additional Troopers were able to deploy tire deflation devices along Route 101 eastbound in the vicinity of the junction with Interstate 95, successfully deflating two tires on the fleeing Honda. Despite the Honda having two deflated tires, the pursuit continued through the Hampton Side Toll Plaza and onto I-95 North in North Hampton, where the Honda eventually stopped. Troopers were then able to take the driver of the Honda into custody without incident.

Troopers identified the driver of the Honda as Bert E. Clement, 28, of South Portland, Maine. During their investigation at the scene, Troopers noted Clement exhibited indicators of impairment. As a result of the investigation, Clement was arrested on charges of reckless conduct – deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, driving under the influence of drugs, disobeying an officer and reckless operation. The Epping Police Department also charged Clement in connection with that agency’s initial pursuit.

Following processing, a bail commissioner set personal recognizance bail and Clement was ultimately released to a responsible party, pending an arraignment scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the 10th Circuit Court – District Division – Brentwood.

Members of the Epping Police Department and the Hampton Police Department assisted the State Police. All aspects of the incident remain under investigation by Trooper Brian Hanna. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Hanna at Brian.D.Hanna@DOS.NH.GOV.