Man held as fugitive in Lebanon assault after Rt. 16 reckless conduct arrest

Nicholas S. Nesbitt (Strafford County Jail photo)

ROCHESTER - Police say a Milton man banged his head against a cruiser partition and then spat blood all over the cruiser's interior after he was arrested for reckless operation on Route 16 Saturday morning.

The incident unfolded around 5:10 a.m. as Trooper William Bohnenberger of the New Hampshire State Police Troop A was on patrol on Route 16 North in Rochester when he observed a 2017 Ford Fusion traveling on Route 16 South approaching him at a high rate of speed.

Bohnenberger also observed that the Ford was using the emergency breakdown lane to pass other motorists on the right, according to a press release sent out today.

While continuing to observe the Ford, Bohnenberger utilized a speed measuring device to confirm the speed of the Ford at 104 mph. The trooper then reversed direction and initiated a motor vehicle stop on the Ford.

Upon contacting the operator, he made it clear that he did not wish to cooperate with any investigation prompting Bohnenberger to take Nicholas S. Nesbitt, 18, of Milton, into custody, charging him with reckless operation.

After Nesbitt was secured in Bohnenberger's cruiser without incident, he became combative and began striking his head upon the metal partition of the prisoner transport compartment. As a result of this Nesbitt sustained lacerations to his head and began spitting blood throughout the interior of the cruiser while making threatening statements toward Bohnenberger. Based upon the prisoner's escalating behavior, Bohnenberger requested the assistance of the Rochester Police Department.

With the assistance of Rochester Police Officers and other Troopers, they 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, just minutes prior to the trooper's initial contact with Nesbitt.

Nesbitt was then arrested on fugitive from justice charge as well as the reckless operation charge.

After treatment at the hospital, Troopers escorted him to a cruiser to prepare for transport at which time Nesbitt became uncooperative once again, attempting to kick out the rear window.

He was then further restrained during which time he kicked and spat at troopers.

Nesbitt was ultimately transported to the Strafford County House of Corrections where he remains pending an arraignment today after which he may be turned over to Maine authorities on the assault complaint.

Nesbitt was charged with 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).

He also faces charges from the York County Sheriff's Office stemming from their investigation.

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.