Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Crash On Branch Turnpike

CONCORD, NH — A local man was arrested on attempted murder and other charges after reportedly crashing his vehicle on Branch Turnpike last night, according to police. Paul Loukedes, 47, of Concord, was arrested on Feb. 13, 2018, and charged with attempt to commit murder, criminal mischief-vandalism, reckless conduct-place another in danger, and criminal threatening-deadly weapon, all felonies. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated-second offense, driving after revocation or suspension, reckless operation, criminal mischief-vandalism, conduct after an accident, resisting arrest or detention, speeding, and yellow line violation.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from info supplied by the Concord Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for New Hampshire’s Patch police reports.

At just after 8 p.m. last night, Concord Police and Fire and Rescue teams were called to the Branch Turnpike for a crash incident with a male driver reportedly fleeing the scene. The officers that first arrived at the scene were flagged down by witnesses who directed them to an injured passenger who reportedly sought shelter from the driver – later identified as Loukedes, according to Lt. Sean Ford, the commander of the criminal investigations unit of the Concord Police Department.

ALSO READ:

• Car ‘Flies’ On Branch Turnpike, Crashes Into Home

“The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Loukedes was driving a 2011 Ford Fusion (and) while driving, he was involved in a domestic dispute with a passenger,” Ford stated. “He allegedly made comments that he was going to kill the passenger. He allegedly accelerated the vehicle and drove recklessly along Branch Turnpike. He allegedly crashed the vehicle into a residence along Branch Turnpike, striking other objects along the way.”

The vehicle sustained major damage, he noted, while the residence incurred apparent damage and is still being assessed.

Loukedes allegedly then fled the scene on foot. The passenger was transported to Concord Hospital by EMTs. Officers and New Hampshire State Police were able to locate Loukedes later at his home.

“He refused to comply with commands to exit the residence and comply with the arrest,” Ford said in a press statement. “He eventually was taken into custody without incident.”

Loukedes refused bail and was held at the Merrimack County House of Corrections. He is expected to be arraigned today.

During the past few years, Loukedes has been involved in previous incidents in the city.

In May 2015, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest on South Street. During the interaction with police, Loukedes was reportedly slurring his words, berated one of the officers, and was arrested after they discussed a field sobriety test.

"What! Are you kidding me?," Loukedes allegedly stated, refusing to get out of the vehicle.

Police later pulled him out of the vehicle and pinned him to the ground in order to cuff him. At headquarters, Loukedes allegedly "began to thrust his body in a sexual gesture while chanting," and "began to pull his pants down … until his buttocks was exposed," police alleged.

A month later, in June 2015, he was arrested for two counts of criminal mischief, simple assault, and domestic violence-simple assault after a woman claimed he had assaulted her and broke a door. The initial argument, according to a report, was a fight about going to the bank.

Loukedes was also arrested last April for simple assault and domestic violence-simple assault in the Branch Turnpike area of the city.

Anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact Ford at 603-225-8600 or the Concord Regional Crimeline 603-226-3100.

Image via Concord Police.