A Connecticut man led troopers from the Vermont State Police-Royalton Barracks and the New Hampshire State Police on a cross-state chase Saturday night.
According to the Royalton Barracks’ press release, troopers identified a black SUV traveling at high speeds on Interstate 89 South at approximately 7:20 PM. Troopers then caught up to the vehicle but when they attempted to initiate a routine traffic stop, the SUV fled the scene. Multiple VSP troopers pursued the vehicle until it crossed state lines into NH, where the chase was taken up by NH-based authorities.
Police were able to pull over the vehicle, but the operator, 32-year-old Erik J. Smith of East Hartford, CT, fled on foot into the woods. Smith was pursued by a K-9 unit.
Upon his arrest, Smith was charged with DUI and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. He was also found to be on federal parole. VSP also issued Smith a citation for Grossly Negligent Operation and Eluding a Police Officer.
He is scheduled to appear in Windsor County Superior Court Criminal Division on January 12, 2021.
WNTK Local News 