Maine man nabbed for aggravated DUI after leading cops on 120 mph chase

Bert E. Clement (NHSP photo)

EXETER - A Maine man was arrested for aggravated DUI and reckless conduct Tuesday Monday after he led police on a high-speed on Route 101.

State Troopers got involved around 9:20 p.m. when they received information regarding a vehicle that had fled from officers with the Epping Police Department at a high rate of speed along Route 101 eastbound in Epping, according to a Dept. of Safety press release sent out on Wednesday. Minutes later, Trooper Brian Hanna observed the vehicle, a silver 2005 Honda Accord, traveling at a speed greater than 120 mph along Route 101 eastbound near Exit 10 in Exeter.

Hanna tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued eastbound at a high rate of speed along Route 101. After briefly exiting the highway at Exit 12, the Honda re-entered the highway and continued to flee along Route 101 into Hampton.

Police say that about three minutes after the initial pursuit began, additional troopers were able to deploy tire deflation devices along Route 101 eastbound in the vicinity of the junction with Interstate 95, successfully deflating two tires on the fleeing Honda.

Despite the Honda having two deflated tires, the pursuit continued through the Hampton Side Toll Plaza and onto I-95 North in North Hampton, where the Honda eventually stopped. Troopers were then able to take the driver of the Honda into custody without incident.

Troopers identified the driver of the Honda as Bert E. Clement, 28, of South Portland, Maine. During their investigation at the scene, Troopers noted Clement exhibited indicators of impairment. As a result of the investigation, Clement was arrested on charges of reckless conduct - deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, disobeying an officer and reckless operation. The Epping Police Department also charged Clement in connection with that agency's initial pursuit.

Following processing, a bail commissioner set personal recognizance bail and Clement was ultimately released to a responsible party, pending an arraignment scheduled for June 4 in the 10^th Circuit Court - District Division

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Hanna at Brian.D.Hanna@DOS.NH.GOV.