ROXBURY — A high-speed pursuit initiated by New Hampshire State Police Trooper Troy Couillard ended in a vehicle crash and the arrest of a wanted fugitive late Saturday night.
On Nov. 25, at about 9:12 p.m., Trooper Couillard was conducting radar speed enforcement on Route 9 in Sullivan when he observed a vehicle speeding westbound.
The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Childlove Gelin of Springfield, Massachusetts, failed to stop and led authorities on a chase reaching speeds of nearly 90 mph.
Shortly after the pursuit began, the vehicle was found crashed into a utility pole on Route 9 with significant damage.
Two individuals were seen fleeing from the crash site towards a river and wooded area.
Local law enforcement, including the Keene Police Department, joined the search efforts.
The passenger, suffering minor injuries, was discovered in the woods and transported to Cheshire Medical Center for treatment.
At around 3:30 a.m., Gelin was located walking on Route 9 near Granite Gorge by a trooper.
He was taken into custody and found to have outstanding warrants from New York City, NY, and Springfield, MA police departments.
Gelin faced multiple charges, including disobeying an officer, conduct after an accident, and reckless conduct, among others.
He was held without bail at the Cheshire County House of Corrections pending his arraignment in Keene District Court, scheduled for Nov. 27.
The crash led to a temporary closure of Route 9 as utility crews worked to repair the damaged pole.
The Keene Fire Department also provided assistance at the scene.
