Nashua Man Leaps Off Bridge To Evade Police: Officials

NASHUA, NH — A Nashua man leaped off Veterans Memorial bridge early Saturday morning and nearly drowned in a failed attempt to flee police, according to officials said. Lenell Lopez, 33, was hospitalized and charged with a host of crimes. The chase started after Lopez crashed into a tree in Hudson and led officers on a chase to Nashua, where he jumped off Veterans Memorial Bridge into the frigid Merrimack River.

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The incident happened at about 2 a.m. Nashua Deputy fire Chief George Walker said crews arrived and found Lopez about 125 feet from shore struggling in the water. A Hudson fire boat reached the man and he was taken to shore, where he was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, treated and released.

Lopez was held on charges including resisting arrest, conduct after an accident, disobeying a police officer, drug possession, driving after suspension, speeding and driving without providing proof of financial responsibility. He will be arraigned Monday in Nashua District Court.

Photo: First responders pull a suspect from the Merrimack River in Nashua July 29, 2017. (Credit: Nashua Fire Department)