Pursuit Suspect Arrested After State Police Cruiser Hit

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – A Massachusetts man was taken into custody after a high-speed pursuit during which the suspect struck a New Hampshire State Police cruiser.

On Monday, July 8, 2024 at approximately 11:45 p.m., Trooper Cameron Vetter of the Troop A barracks observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 95 in Portsmouth at speeds over 100 mph, while having lane control issues. Trooper Vetter attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle increased speed and refused to stop, and a pursuit began. 

The driver of the vehicle, a gray 2012 Toyota Camry reported stolen out of Wilmington, Massachusetts, continued northbound erratically at high speeds and crossed into Kittery, Maine. New Hampshire Troopers continued to pursue the Toyota while Maine authorities responded to the area. 

The stolen vehicle suspect soon exited I-95 at Exit 3 and the Kittery, Maine Police Department took over primary responsibilities of the pursuit, while New Hampshire Troopers continued to provide support. The Toyota eventually crossed into York, Maine and traveled down a dead-end road. The suspect then turned around and struck the cruiser of New Hampshire State Police Trooper Matthew Dushame. The collision brought the pursuit to a conclusion and the driver of the Toyota was arrested without further incident. There were no injuries as a result of the crash. 

The driver of the Toyota was identified as Steven Hebert, 42, of Worcester, Massachusetts. Hebert was arrested and was transported to the Kittery, Maine Police Department. Hebert is facing multiple charges in Maine and in New Hampshire related to the pursuit and stolen vehicle.

The New Hampshire State Police was assisted by the Maine State Police, Kittery Police Department, York Police Department and local EMS providers. Anyone with information that may assist in the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Trooper Vetter at (603) 223-4381 or Cameron.S.Vetter@dos.nh.gov.