Crime & Safety

Latest: Nashua Police Chase Suspect Arraigned

Richard Simone was arraigned after a police chase in Nashua Wednesday. Videos show officers beating Simone; a criminal probe was launched.

NASHUA, NH — The suspect in an hours-long police chase with a violent ending in Nashua Wednesday was arraigned Thursday morning.

Richard Simone, 50, of Worcester, Mass., faces numerous charges. He reportedly agreed to be extradited back to Massachusetts, where the chase started.

Also on Thursday, authorities said they're investigating police officers' use of force against Simone during his arrest. Videos show officers repeatedly punching the suspect as he appears to the surrender.

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"The footage from yesterday raises serious concerns," New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a statement. "All New Hampshire public safety officials are held to the highest standards, and it is important and appropriate that the Attorney General's office has opened an investigation into the incident.

Find out what's happening in Nashuafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"We must treat this incident with the utmost seriousness without disparaging all of the hard-working police officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe."

New Hampshire State Police Col. Robert Quinn said he will provide more details at a news conference later Thursday afternoon about the investigation into the officers' use of force.

— John Cuoco (@JCuocoNews) May 12, 2016

Mass. State Police also launched an investigation into the arrest.

"The video captured by news helicopters shows a use of force against the suspect," said Mass. State Police spokesman Dave Procopio in a statement. "That review will investigate whether the level of force used was appropriate given the totality of the circumstances."

The chase started in Holden, Mass., when police said Simone, who has several warrants, failed to stop for officers.

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