After Police Chase, Merrimack Man Arrested for DWI, Other Charges

BEDFORD, NH - A local man was arrested two nights ago after a crash in one community and a traffic stop for drunk driving in another, according to police.

James Myers, 38, of Merrimack, was arrested on March 21, 2016, for felony conduct after an accident, disobeying an officer, and driving while intoxicated.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Bedford Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

According to Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, an officer noticed a Subaru Forester drifting back and forth in a lane while traveling south on South River Road.

• Sign up for news alerts from local New Hampshire Patch sites.

As the vehicle approached Back River Road, it crossed the double yellow line, nearly striking another car, according to police. The officer attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop by activating his emergency lights, but the driver allegedly wouldn’t pull over.

Near the Gold Club on South River Road, the driver – later identified as Myers – allegedly struck a Toyota RAV4 that was attempting to pull over. This reportedly caused the RAV4 to hit a curb and deploy an airbag. The Subaru allegedly kept going and made no effort to stop, continuing to drive into Merrimack.

The woman driving the RAV4 was treated for minor injuries in Manchester.

Merrimack Police picked up the pursuit and eventually stopped the vehicle on the Daniel Webster Highway near the intersection with Bedford Road. Myers was then arrested, processed, and transferred to Bedford for processing.

"This suspect's egregious behavior resulted the injury of an innocent motorist and endangered the lives of everyone around him, including himself," Bryfonski said in a statement. "I am grateful for the hard work of our Bedford and Merrimack Police Officers for apprehending this suspect before anyone else was harmed."