3 Arrested After North Hampton Vehicle Pursuit, Search

NORTH HAMPTON, NH — Three people were arrested on drug-related and other charges Wednesday after a vehicle pursuit and search in North Hampton. Luis A. Moreta, 21, Fernando J. Silia, 19, and Lexis M. Nevarez, 20, were arrested in connection with the incident, which involved an investigation by the State Police and the FBI. All three suspects are residents of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

According to the State Police, the agencies were conducting a drug-related investigation around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, when Silia exited a vehicle in a Hampton parking lot and was arrested on a narcotics possession charge. Then, Moreta fled the scene by driving away while Nevarez was a passenger in the vehicle. A state trooper began pursuing the vehicle north on Route 1, but due to the vehicle's speed, reckless driving and risk to the public, the pursuit was discontinued, State Police say.

A short time later, the vehicle was located in the area of North Road in North Hampton after it crashed into the woods, police say. Officers conducted a search using a police dog and the State Police Air Wing, and located the other two suspects.

Police say the vehicle was stolen and the theft remains under investigation.

Moreta, who police say drove the vehicle, was charged with disobeying an officer, felony reckless conduct, reckless operation, resisting arrest and conspiracy to sell a controlled drug. Silia is charged with conspiracy to sell a controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to sell. Nevarez was charged with conspiracy to sell a controlled drug and resisting arrest.

All three suspects were released on personal recognizance bail and are scheduled to appear at Rockingham County Superior Court for arraignment on June 28.

During the incident, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office as well as police departments from Hampton, North Hampton, Rye and Greenland assisted the State Police.