OSSIPEE — A routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed pursuit early Monday morning when a vehicle clocked at 70 mph in a 40 mph zone refused to pull over for Ossipee police.
At around 6:05 a.m., Sergeant Joseph Oswalt of the Ossipee Police Department attempted to stop a metallic-colored Mini Cooper with Maine plates speeding southbound on Route 16.
The driver of the vehicle failed to comply, initiating a chase that reached speeds of 100 mph, with the vehicle passing several others unlawfully.
The Wakefield Police Department joined the pursuit, with Officer Martino and Officer McLain providing backup.
Efforts to halt the vehicle using stop sticks near White Mountain Medical Center in Wakefield were unsuccessful, as the driver maneuvered around the obstacle.
A second attempt by the Milton Police Department with stop sticks just south of the Milton/Wakefield town line also failed to stop the speeding Mini Cooper, which subsequently lost control and crashed into the woods.
Both occupants fled the scene on foot.
Sergeant Oswalt apprehended the passenger shortly after the accident, but the driver evaded immediate capture.
A K-9 Unit from the New Hampshire State Police was deployed but did not locate the driver, who was later identified.
Charges are pending against both juveniles, whose names are being withheld due to their age.
The Ossipee Police Department extends gratitude to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch, Wakefield Police Department, New Hampshire State Police – Troop A Barracks, Augusta, ME Police Department, and Milton Fire/Rescue for their assistance during the incident and subsequent investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this event to contact Sergeant Joseph Oswalt at the Ossipee Police Department by calling 603-539-2011 or via email at [email protected].
