Reckless Driving & Fugitive from Justice Arrest

ROCHESTER, New Hampshire – On Saturday, June 17, 2023, at approximately 5:12 a.m., Trooper William Bohnenberger, of the New Hampshire State Police Troop A Barracks, was on patrol on Route 16 North in the City of Rochester when he observed a 2017 Ford Fusion traveling on Route 16 South approaching him at a high rate of speed. Trooper Bohnenberger also observed that the Ford was using the emergency breakdown to unsafely pass other motorists on the right. While continuing to observe the Ford, Trooper Bohnenberger utilized a speed measuring device to confirm the speed of the Ford at 104MPH in a clearly posted 65MPH speed limit zone. Based upon these observations, Trooper Bohnenberger reversed direction and initiated a motor vehicle stop on the Ford. Upon contacting the operator of the Ford, Trooper Bohnenberger attempted to speak with the operator at which time the operator informed Trooper Bohnenberger that he did not wish to cooperate with any investigation. Trooper Bohnenberger subsequently placed the operator under arrest for Reckless Operation and thereafter identified the operator as Nicholas S. NESBITT, age 18, of Milton, New Hampshire. 

After NESBITT had been arrested and secured in Trooper Bohnenberger’s cruiser without incident, NESBITT became combative and began striking his head upon the metal partition of the prisoner transport compartment within the rear of the cruiser. As a result of NESBITT’s actions, NESBITT sustained lacerations to his head. NESBITT then began spitting blood throughout the interior of the cruiser while making threatening statements toward Trooper Bohnenberger. Based upon NESBITT’s escalating behavior, Trooper Bohnenberger requested the assistance of the Rochester Police Department. With the assistance of Rochester Police Officers and other Troopers, Trooper Bohnenberger transported NESBITT to a local area hospital for treatment of his injuries. While at the hospital, Trooper Bohnenberger developed information that NESBITT was being sought by the York County, Maine Sheriff’s Office for an assault that had occurred in the Town of Lebanon, Maine only minutes prior to Trooper Bohnenberger’s initial contact with NESBITT. Upon receipt of this information, Trooper Bohnenberger was able to coordinate with the York County, Maine Sheriff’s Office to obtain the documentation necessary to retain NESBITT in custody on Fugitive from Justice charges. 

After NESBITT had been medically cleared at the hospital, Troopers escorted NESBITT to a cruiser to prepare NESBITT for transport at which time NESBITT became uncooperative once again. After being secured in the cruiser, NESBITT repeatedly attempted to kick out the rear windows of the cruiser, prompting Troopers to further restrain NESBITT. While attempting to further restrain NESBITT, NESBITT physically resisted Troopers, kicked toward Troopers, and spit in the direction of Troopers. Ultimately, Troopers and Rochester Police Officers were able to secure NESBITT in a cruiser at which time NESBITT was transported to the Strafford County House of Corrections.

As a result of this investigation, NESBITT was charged by the New Hampshire State Police with a number of crimes to include Fugitive from Justice (Felony), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), Assault by Prisoner (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Threatening (Class A Misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (Class A Misdemeanor), Reckless Operation (Violation), and Unregistered Vehicle (Violation). NESBITT faces additional charges from the York County Sheriff’s Office stemming from this agency’s investigation. Based upon the circumstances, a bail commissioner ordered that NESBITT be held in in preventative detention at the Strafford County House of Corrections pending an appearance in the 7th Circuit Court – District Division – Rochester on June 20, 2023, to answer to the pending charges in the State of New Hampshire and to address the matter of NESBITT’s potential extradition to the State of Maine to answer to charges in that jurisdiction. 

Anyone with further information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Trooper William Bohnenberger via email at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov or by contacting the New Hampshire State Police Communications Unit at (603) 223-4381.