Bay State fugitive nabbed in Merrimack after two-state chase

MERRIMACK - A Massachusetts man wanted in the Bay State on a felony arrest warrant is in custody today after attempting to elude law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire on Tuesday.

State Troopers got involved around 4 a.m. on Tuesday when they were notified that officers from the Lowell, Mass., Police Department were involved in a pursuit of a 2006 Ford Escape on Route 3 northbound, heading toward New Hampshire. Lowell Police informed Troopers that the driver of the Escape, identified as Dominick Howard, 20, of East Wareham, Mass., had an active warrant for his arrest.

As Howard crossed into New Hampshire, Troopers took over the pursuit in the area of Exit 6 on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Nashua. Howard continued northbound, reaching speeds of 100 mph.

In the area of mile marker 9.8, Troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device, according to a Dept. of Safety press release. The driver of the Escape continued northbound before the vehicle lost a tire and went off the right side of the road near mile marker 12.2 in Merrimack.

Following the crash, Troopers took three passengers into custody, while Howard fled to a nearby wooded area. Troopers and officers from the Merrimack Police Department began an immediate search but were not able to locate Howard. Around 9 a.m., Howard was seen back in the area of the crash scene and was ultimately taken into custody with the assistance of the Merrimack Police Department.

Howard has been charged with disobeying a police officer, reckless conduct, resisting arrest, reckless operation, and as a fugitive from justice. Two of Howard's passengers were released without charges. The third passenger, a juvenile, is charged with resisting arrest.