Manchester Man Arrested On Drunken Driving, Crash, Threat Charges

HAMPTON, NH — A Manchester man is facing drunken driving and other charges after being accused of crashing into vehicles in Hampton, attempting to get out of traffic, on Sunday.

Police were sent to Ashworth Avenue around 5:30 p.m. for a report of a hit-and-run crash. When they arrived, they spoke with a complainant who stated a Subaru was stuck in traffic and attempting to get onto Ocean Boulevard. During that process, their vehicle was struck by the Subaru. Later, police found the Subaru and saw the driver pull out of traffic, drive on G Street, and speed toward Ocean Boulevard, according to police. The vehicle passed other vehicles stuck in traffic, according to a report.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle but said the driver refused to stop, drove over a curb, onto a sidewalk, and then, onto Ocean Boulevard.

“The area at this time was heavily populated with vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” Deputy Chief Alex Reno said.

The vehicle continued to drive north, through the middle of stand-still traffic, striking a number of parked vehicles, he said.

A Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department deputy, Reno said, then positioned his cruiser in the area of C Street. The deputy exited the cruiser and attempted to stop the driver — later identified as Anthony Caperci III, 24, of Manchester.

“It is alleged that Mr. Caperci drove around the deputy’s vehicle causing the deputy to jump out of the way to avoid being struck,” Reno added. “In the process, Mr. Caperci allegedly crashed into metal pedestrian fencing and a number of other vehicles.”

After turning onto Ashworth Avenue, police accused Caperci of driving the wrong way on the road and then, drove into the parking lot of The Sands Motel on Ashworth Avenue. He then was accused of crashing into a dumpster and fled the area.

A witness who was staying at the motel informed police that the suspect had hopped a fence and pointed out where he was — sitting at a picnic table, according to an affidavit.

Police accused Caperci of being “unsteady on his feet” and smelling like alcohol. He was then arrested and charged with reckless conduct and criminal threatening, both felonies, as well as aggravated driving under the influence, conduct after an accident, and disobeying an officer. He was held without bail and after being arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court on Monday, was held on preventive detention.

Reno said he expected more charges against Caperci at some point in the future.

According to superior court records, Caperci pleaded guilty to a felony controlled drug: acts prohibited charge on May 18 after facing multiple charges connected to an incident in Hooksett in August 2020. He was previously convicted on drug and escape charges out of Rockingham County. Caperci has been arrested on drug and burglary charges that were later nolle prossed.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222.

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

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