Early Morning Speeding Stop Leads To Man Being Tased

MANCHESTER, NH — Police in the Queen City arrested two people after an early morning alleged speeding incident and traffic stop that ended with a homeless man being Tased, according to police. Paul Fortier, 34, of no known address, was arrested on Oct. 25, 2017, and charged with disobeying a police officer, falsifying physical evidence, and resisting arrest and detention. Laura Sadler, 21, of Londonderry, was arrested for disobeying an officer. At just before 12:30 a.m. this morning on Lake Avenue near Elm Street in Manchester, an officer reportedly saw a Dodge Avenger traveling at a high rate of speed without proper headlights.

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

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle on Elm Street, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Bedford NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Like Bedford NH Patch on Facebook)

“The male operator refused to stop and abruptly turned westerly toward oncoming traffic on to the eastbound travel lane of the Bridge Street Bridge,” O’Keefe alleged. “He struck a curb as the vehicle slowed to a crawl, but not a complete stop.”

While the vehicle was still moving, the driver and passenger allegedly switched sides and the passenger –Sadler – reportedly stopped the vehicle. The man – Fortier – then reportedly moved to the back seat as the officer approached the vehicle along with backup officers.

Fortier was ordered out of the back seat but allegedly refused.

“Instead, the man began reaching for an unknown item inside of his pants while turning his back to both officers,” O’Keefe stated. “(A) sergeant repeatedly ordered him to show his hands and step out of the vehicle, but Fortier continued to be non-compliant while reaching for the unknown item in his pants. (An) officer observed what she believed to be a golf ball sized bag containing a white, powdery substance in Fortier’s left hand as he refused to adhere to their commands.”

All involved reached into the vehicle in an attempt to remove Fortier but he allegedly quickly exited the vehicle through the opposite door and ran toward Canal Street. He reportedly jumped off a large embankment, attempting to escape from police, but fell at the bottom. Fortier allegedly continued to run – ignoring orders to stop – and was later Tased.

“Fortier finally complied as she placed him into custody,” O’Keefe alleged.

Sadler reportedly consented to a vehicle search and the officers allegedly found hypodermic needles, small Zip lock bags, and a scale, but no drugs, according to the report.

Sadler is due in court on Nov. 29. Fortier was held and arraigned this morning.

Images via Manchester Police.