Fatal Drug Overdoses Prompt Manhunt: Suspect May Be In California, Police Say

A nationwide extraditable warrant has been issued for former California resident Preston Thorpe, 24, in Manchester, New Hampshire. A reward is being offered and New Hampshire law enforcement officials, along with Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force members are hunting for the former California resident, who may be headed home, after a search warrant was served on his apartment and carfentanil, an elephant tranquilizer linked to several overdose deaths in New Hampshire, was allegedly found, according to an alert.

Thorpe, who also uses the alias “P,” has a sleeve-style tattoo on his right arm and a large tattoo on his left arm. He is reportedly traveling in an Audi A4 2.0T with a Team Nissan temporary New Hampshire plate 2089050. Police stated in a press alert that he also owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer with New Hampshire registration 4023461, but it is unknown if he still has access to that vehicle.

Police and the DEA served a search warrant of Thorpe’s apartment on April 27 and found he had allegedly fled the area, possibly heading back to California where he was born and raised. He was last seen earlier that day, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department.

“Inside, they located trace amount of carfentanil inside the kitchen area as well as a small amount of marijuana,” O’Keefe alleged. “Investigators believe Thrope may have fled the area because the apartment appeared to have been cleaned out prior to their arrival.”

The raid and warrant came just days after three people suffered from fatal overdoses in Queen City while using the drug, which is an elephant tranquilizer 100 times deadlier than fentanyl.

Thorpe, O’Keefe noted, may be traveling with a woman, Ashley Arbogast, 28, who is 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighs around 156 pounds and has brown hair and eyes. She also has tattoos on her left arm and hand.

If you know the whereabouts of Thorpe, contact the Manchester NH Police Department at 603-668-8711 or Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040. All tips are anonymous and there is a cash reward available, according to O’Keefe.

By Tony Schinella (Patch National Staff)

Photos courtesy Manchester NH Police Department