Hampstead, NH – A man died by suicide early Sunday morning after leading police on a high-risk pursuit in a stolen vehicle across several southern New Hampshire towns, authorities confirmed. The incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies and prompted road closures and emergency response measures.
Stolen Vehicle Reported in Plaistow
The chain of events began around 12:40 a.m. when a stolen vehicle was reported in Plaistow, NH. Local police immediately alerted surrounding towns to assist in locating the vehicle. Within minutes, Kingston police spotted the stolen car on Route 125, but attempts to stop it were unsuccessful.
Authorities later reported that the driver was armed and suicidal, escalating the urgency and risk involved in the pursuit. Police worked to contain the situation and protect public safety as the vehicle continued traveling through the area.
High-Speed Pursuit Through Multiple Towns
The stolen car eventually entered Hampstead, where a Sandown police officer attempted to stop it. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed off Route 111 into an embankment near Hampstead Commons Plaza. During the chase, several roads were temporarily closed to ensure community safety, including Route 111 from Marilyn Park Drive to Stage Road.
Law enforcement deployed a police drone to assist in monitoring the scene from above, providing real-time aerial images to safely coordinate emergency response and assess the situation.
Suicide Confirmed at Scene
The drone observed the driver inside the vehicle, non-responsive. Police later confirmed the man had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, marking the tragic conclusion of the chase. Authorities have not released the identity of the driver, citing privacy concerns and ongoing investigation protocols.
Hampstead police extended condolences to the driver’s family, noting the incident’s tragic nature and the difficulty for all involved in responding to a situation with armed and suicidal behavior.
Law Enforcement Coordination
This incident involved coordination among several departments, including:
- Plaistow Police Department
- Kingston Police Department
- Sandown Police Department
- Hampstead Police Department
The collaborative effort allowed officers to monitor the vehicle safely, minimize public exposure to danger, and ultimately contain the incident without additional casualties.
Community Safety and Awareness
The events of Sunday morning underscore the risks associated with armed and suicidal drivers and highlight the importance of public vigilance. Residents are urged to:
- Report any suspicious or erratic driving immediately
- Avoid attempting to intervene in ongoing pursuits
- Follow police instructions during road closures or emergency activity
- Be aware of the dangers of armed individuals in vehicles and remain cautious in the area
Authorities also reminded the public of the importance of mental health resources, as suicidal behavior can escalate quickly and put multiple lives at risk.
Road Closures and Aftermath
Following the crash, Route 111 was temporarily shut down to allow police and emergency responders to secure the scene, investigate the crash, and manage traffic safely. The police drone provided crucial support in observing the driver and ensuring that officers could approach the vehicle safely.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and urged residents to remain patient as law enforcement completes its review of the incident.
Have you ever witnessed a dangerous police pursuit or high-risk driving incident in your community? Share your experiences and thoughts on road safety and public awareness in the comments below.
