NORTH HAMPTON — A Rhode Island man was arrested Thursday after allegedly driving at speeds over 100 mph on Interstate 95 and later assaulting a sheriff’s deputy, authorities said.
Rockingham Sheriff Deputy Krieger observed a silver pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed on I-95 northbound in North Hampton at approximately 5:20 p.m. on March 20.
The truck was swerving through rush hour traffic, nearly causing multiple collisions and forcing other drivers to take evasive action, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Krieger’s radar recorded the vehicle traveling at 103 mph at one point during the incident.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop in Greenland, where the driver allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted the officer.
A passing New Hampshire State Police trooper witnessed the struggle and stopped to assist with the arrest.
The driver was identified as Antonio Vieira, 35, of Warren, Rhode Island.
Vieira was transported to the Rockingham County Jail where officials said he remained uncooperative.
A Bail Commissioner initially ordered Vieira held on preventative detention for charges including Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon (Felony B), Resisting Arrest/Detention (Misdemeanor A), Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (Misdemeanor A), and Reckless Operation (Violation).
Vieira was arraigned on March 21, where Magistrate Jaye Duncan released him on personal recognizance bail.
Follow-up hearings have been scheduled in the Hampton and Portsmouth Circuit Courts.
