A 911 Call Kicks Off a Pursuit
A Maine man is facing a lengthy list of charges after New Hampshire State Police say he led troopers on a high-speed chase in a stolen car while impaired. The case began around 1:35 a.m. Sunday, when a motorist called 911 to report a driver swerving across I-95 South near Portsmouth. Troopers located the vehicle, a 2014 Ford Fusion, traveling through North Hampton, and when they attempted a stop, the driver accelerated instead, triggering a pursuit.
A Dangerous Chase Across Multiple Highways
Police identified the driver as 20-year-old Thomas O. M. Leonard of Portland, Maine. Troopers say Leonard passed Exit 2, merged onto Route 101 West, and began weaving between lanes at high speed as officers followed.
Spike Strips Slow the Car, But Don’t Stop It
The pursuit continued into Brentwood, where troopers deployed spike strips that damaged the car’s tires. Despite the damage, Leonard allegedly continued driving toward Epping’s Exit 7, where he lost control, struck a traffic island, and collided with a sign, disabling the vehicle.
K-9 Unit Locates Suspect After Foot Chase
Leonard then fled on foot into a nearby business lot. State troopers deployed a K-9 unit, which located and apprehended him. Authorities determined Leonard was impaired at the time of the incident and that his license was already suspended. The vehicle itself had been reported stolen out of Saco, Maine.
Extensive Charges Filed
Leonard now faces numerous charges, including felony reckless conduct, receiving a stolen vehicle, multiple DUI-related counts, resisting arrest, and charges tied to property damage from the crash. He was booked into Rockingham County Jail ahead of a scheduled Monday court appearance.
Investigation Ongoing
Police say the investigation remains active, and additional details or charges could emerge as the case develops. As with any pending case, Leonard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.