Pursuit Results in Recovery of Stolen Vehicle and DUI Arrest

November 24, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

EPPING, N.H. – A Maine man was arrested on multiple charges after a pursuit that began on Interstate 95 and ended in Epping.

At 1:36 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, State Troopers with the Troop A barracks received a 911 report of erratic operation on I-95 southbound in Portsmouth. Trooper Patrick Vetter located the vehicle, a 2014 Ford Fusion, on I-95 southbound in North Hampton and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle exited at Exit 2 and continued onto Route 101 westbound in Hampton. During the pursuit, the driver continued speeding, driving erratically, and failing to stay in a lane.

As the pursuit entered Brentwood, Sgt. Gary Wood Jr. successfully deployed tire deflation devices, which the Ford struck. The driver continued toward Exit 7, failed to negotiate a turn at the bottom of the off-ramp, drove over a traffic island, and struck a traffic sign, disabling the vehicle.

The driver fled on foot into a nearby business parking lot. Trooper Nathaniel Perkins deployed K-9 Creed and apprehended the suspect.

The driver was identified as Thomas O. M. Leonard, 20, of Portland, Maine. Troopers noted signs of impairment and determined Leonard’s driver’s license was revoked. It was later confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Saco, Maine, Police Department.

Leonard was charged with felony reckless conduct and receiving stolen property; two misdemeanor counts of aggravated driving under the influence of liquor and driving under the influence of liquor – second offense; as well as disobeying an officer, resisting arrest or detention, driving after revocation, conduct after an accident, and criminal mischief. He also received violation-level charges of transportation of alcohol by a minor and unlawful possession of alcohol.

Leonard was held in preventive detention by a bail commissioner and transported to the Rockingham County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Brentwood District Court on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.

Troopers were assisted by the Epping Police Department, the Portland (ME) Police Department, and the Saco (ME) Police Department. All aspects of the incident remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Vetter at Patrick.R.Vetter@DOS.NH.GOV.

Credit: New Hampshire State Police