MILTON — A high-speed chase involving Milton Police and a suspicious vehicle ended dramatically after the suspect attempted to escape into a river and was apprehended, authorities reported Monday.
The incident began on Monday morning when a Milton Police Officer noticed a suspicious vehicle in the Dollar General parking lot on White Mountain Highway.
As the officer approached, the driver, later identified as Michael Bennett of Sanbornville, New Hampshire, sped away, reaching speeds between 75 and 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Milton Police deployed spike strips at the intersection of Townhouse Road and White Mountain Highway, deflating at least one tire on Bennett’s vehicle.
Despite losing a tire, Bennett continued to flee, with speeds dropping to around 12 mph.
The chase extended into Acton, Maine, where Bennett turned around in a resident’s yard and was confronted by three local residents, two of whom were armed with shotguns.
One resident fired a shot into the trunk of Bennett’s vehicle as it passed.
Bennett re-entered Milton Mills, where New Hampshire State Police had set up additional spike strips.
After driving through a town park, Bennett tried to escape by driving into a river but was ultimately caught.
Bennett had multiple outstanding warrants and was charged with several offenses, including disobeying an officer, operating after being certified as a habitual offender, and reckless operation.
He is scheduled for arraignment at 11 a.m. on Oct. 1.
Chief Tom Hebert expressed gratitude to the Wakefield Police Department and the New Hampshire State Police for their assistance in the successful apprehension of the suspect.
The individuals involved in the Acton incident were managed by the York County Sheriff’s Office.
