Man leads troopers on high speed chase putting motorists at risk, freed on no bail

Richard M. Sullivan (NHSP photo)

EXETER - A Derry man was charged with felony reckless conduct as well as a slew of traffic violations after leading police on a high speed chase on Route 101 on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded a little after 7 p.m. when a state trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2006 Chevrolet 1500 pickup on Route 101 West in Exeter

After briefly coming to a stop in the breakdown lane, the Chevrolet fled at a high rate of speed, leading to the chase.

The trooper pursued the Chevrolet along Route 101 West through the Brentwood, Epping, and eventually entered Raymond. During the course of the vehicle pursuit, the Chevrolet continuously traveled at an excessive rate of speed, failed to properly maintain a single lane of travel, and executed unsafe passing maneuvers.

As the Chevrolet approached Exit #4 in the Town of Raymond, Raymond Police Officers successfully deployed tire deflation devices gradually deflating the front right tire of the Chevrolet. The operator of the Chevrolet continued along Route 101 West in the Town of Raymond for a brief distance before abandoning the Chevrolet and fleeing on foot, according to a Dept. of Safety press release sent on Tuesday.

At this point a trooper deployed his K9 partner Ida, who successfully apprehended the operator.

The operator was identified as Richard M. Sullivan, 41, of Derry, who was charged with Reckless Conduct (Class B Felony), Disobeying An Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), Operating After Suspension - Subsequent Offense (Class A Misdemeanor), Driving Without Giving Proof (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest or Detention (Class A Misdemeanor), and Reckless Operation (Violation). Following processing, Sullivan was released on personal recognizance bail pending an appearance in the Rockingham County Superior Court on Oct. 20.

In order to bring this incident to a safe conclusion, Route 101 West was closed to traffic at Exit 4 in the Town of Raymond for around 20 minutes while Troopers investigated the scene and emergency personnel worked to facilitate the removal of the Chevrolet. Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Sergeant Wood via email at Gary.J.WoodJr@dos.nh.gov