Driver who shot himself after police chase ID'd as Franklin man

HAMPTON - The man said to have shot himself after leading police on a high speed chase on Sunday has been identified as a Franklin man.

Police say charges are imminent for Steven J. Haskins, 50, who remains in critical condition.

The incident unfolded around 4:40 p.m. as a Hampton officer spotted the subject driving erratically on Route 101, according to state police.

"The vehicle was observed driving westerly within the eastbound lanes of travel and nearly collided with several vehicles," police said.

Reversing directions to stop the suspect vehicle, a Hampton police officer reported seeing the suspect accelerate and complete a left-hand turn on to Landing Road, which was heavily populated with beach traffic, the release stated.

"The actions of the driver were both dangerous and reckless, and Hampton police continued behind the suspect in an attempt to stop the driver," they said.

As the driver sped along Landing Road he lost control on a curve, left the roadway and landed in a marsh.

"After crashing, Hampton police reported seeing the driver's door open and a figure moving through nearby bushes. As Hampton police exited their vehicles, a single gunshot was heard. The driver appeared to have a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," state police said. "No shots were discharged by police."

All aspects of this investigation remain under investigation by the New Hampshire State Police. Anyone with information pertaining to this event is still encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant John Kelly, via email, at john.s.kelly@dos.nh.gov.