Troopers Arrest Suspect Following Pursuit

BOSCAWEN, N.H. – A Concord man was taken into custody after a pursuit through multiple communities.

At 7:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, State Troopers assigned to the Troop F barracks located a vehicle that was reported to have previously caused damage in Vermont, including running over at least one sign. The driver of the vehicle also refused to stop for members of the Lincoln and Woodstock police departments in New Hampshire earlier in the day. As Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver took off and a pursuit began on Interstate 93 southbound in Thornton. 

Spike strips were successfully deployed, deflating the two left-side tires, however the driver continued south before exiting I-93 at Exit 20 in Tilton. Despite traveling on two rims, the driver continued west from Exit 20 into Franklin, before traveling south on Route 3 toward Boscawen.

As the driver of the vehicle approached another set of spike strips that had been deployed, they turned into a pull-off near the Merrimack County Jail in Boscawen and attempted to flee on foot. Trooper Rees Davis immediately deployed his K9 partner, Draco, at which point the driver surrendered and was taken into custody. 

The driver of the vehicle involved in the pursuit has been identified as Christopher Hayward, 45, of Concord, New Hampshire. Hayward was charged with aggravated driving under the influence (DUI), disobeying an officer, three counts of felony reckless conduct and reckless operation. He was held at the Merrimack County Jail pending arraignment in Franklin District Court. No booking photo is available at this time. 

Members of Troop F were assisted in the pursuit by Troopers from Troop E and Troop D, as well as officers from the Franklin and Boscawen police departments. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Trooper Rees Davis at (603) 451-9532 or Rees.G.Davis@dos.nh.gov.