RI Teen, Attleboro Man Bagged Fleeing NHSP During Pursuit

KEENE, NH — Two men were arraigned in Cheshire County Superior Court this morning after allegedly attempting to flee state troopers late last night. Jacob Lima, 19, pictured left, of Manville, RI, was arrested for receiving stolen property, disobeying an officer, reckless operation, and criminal mischief. Also charged was Matthew Durand, 25, of Attleboro, MA, for falsifying physical evidence.

A third passenger – a 17-year-old – was detained and released to his parents without charges.

According to a Troop C press release, at around 11 p.m. on April 21, 2019, a trooper attempted to stop a 2005 Honda Civic for speeding on Route 12 in Swanzey.

“The driver of the vehicle attempted to flee and the trooper initiated a brief pursuit of the vehicle,” according to Lt. Michael Kokoski of the NHSP. “The pursuit traveled into Keene and ended on Key Road when the vehicle attempted to drive around an apartment building and became stuck in the wet lawn.”

Three occupants exited the vehicle and two men – Lima and Durand – allegedly fled the scene on foot. Troopers and Keene police pursued the pair and were able capture them both after a short period of time.

Lima, according Kokoski, was the driver of the vehicle.

During the investigation, state troopers recovered a stolen firearm. A K-9 unit was also called to the scene to search area where Lima and Durand fled and a firearm magazine was recovered, according to the report.

Both Lima and Durand were arrested and held without bail.

Kokoski noted that more charges are expected.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Trooper Zachary Bernier via Troop C dispatch at 603-223-8494.

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