Mass. Man Arrested On Stolen Jeep, Felony Deadly Weapon Charges

SALEM, NH — A Massachusetts man was arrested after a chase with police Thursday that led to him being accused of crashing into two vehicles and police using spike strips to stop him.

Around 10:30 a.m., an officer spotted a stolen Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Main Street. When the officer approached the Cherokee on foot, it reversed out of the parking spot requiring the officer to move out of the path of the Jeep, according to Salem Police Chief Joel Dolan.

"A brief motor vehicle pursuit followed and was ultimately terminated out of concern for the safety of the general public," Dolan said. "However, police located the vehicle again in the parking lot of Kensington Place on Cluff Road, parked on a lawn at the complex. The driver drove forward, nearly struck an officer, and ran over a spike strip set up at the entrance to the complex by police."

The driver, later identified as Nathaniel Jacques of Wayland, Massachusetts, was accused of running a red light at Cluff Road and Route 28 and struck two other vehicles and then, fled the area on foot, Dolan said.

Jacques was caught and arrested on three counts of reckless conduct-deadly weapon and receiving stolen property-$1,500+, all felonies, as well as disobeying an officer, reckless operation, resisting arrest, driving after suspension, and conduct after an accident. He also had an active outstanding extraditable warrant issued by Wayland police. Jacques was held without bail and arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court Friday.

Dolan said no one was injured during the incident but the vehicles sustained heavy damage.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Salem 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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