Laconia Man Arrested On DUI, Other Charges After Chase, Crash

CONCORD, NH — A Lakes Region man was arrested and held in the county jail on Sunday after being accused of drunken driving, being chased by police from Bow to Henniker, and crashing a pickup truck.

Around 12:15 a.m., New Hampshire State Police began chasing a driver who was accused of failing to stop for police in Bow at Interstate 89 near Exit 2 in Concord. The trooper saw "erratic operation with varying speeds and lane control issues" as he chased the pickup truck north. At Exit 5, the vehicle merged onto Route 202/Route 9 and was accused of continuing to drive erratically.

After entering Henniker, the truck crashed into trees and a rock wall.

"The operator immediately fled on foot from the scene of the crash," said Sgt. Irwin Malilay of Troop D.

A K-9, "Ragnar," was called in to track the suspect and he was found and arrested without incident.

State police charged the man, Eric J. Lewis, 50, of Laconia, with aggravated DUI, reckless operation, reckless conduct-deadly weapon, conduct after an accident, operating after suspension, resisting arrest or detention, and disobeying an officer. He also had an active warrant out of Belknap County Superior Court.

After being checked out at Concord Hospital, he was taken to the Merrimack County Jail and held without bail. A passenger, a woman, was also medically cleared at the hospital and then released.

Troopers were assisted by Bow police, Henniker police and firefighters, Hillsboro police, and John's Wrecker Service.

According to superior court records, Lewis was charged with carrying or selling weapons, controlled drug: acts prohibited, and driving after revocation or suspension after an incident in Belmont in November 2019. He pleaded guilty to the drug and weapon charges in October 2020, while the driving charge was nolle prossed. On March 26, he was accused of violation of probation and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information about this case or Lewis is asked to contact Trooper Derek Myrdek at 603-223-8944 or email at Derek.M.Myrdek@DOS.NH.GOV.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the New Hampshire State Police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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