'Erratic Driver’ Busted on Another DWI Charge in Portsmouth: NHSP

ROCHESTER, NH — A New Hampshire man was arrested this morning on numerous charges after a pursuit that started in Dover and ended in Portsmouth after state police deployed spike strips to stop his SUV. Richard M. Shaw, 47, of Rochester, was arrested on Aug. 1, 2016, for driving while intoxicated (second offense), reckless operation, disobeying an officer, resisting arrest, open container, and possession of a controlled drug.

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

According to state police, troopers began fielding calls about an erratic driver on the southbound side of the Spaulding Turnpike in Rochester at around 11:30 a.m. this morning. Three different calls came in about the vehicle – a black SUV. One trooper saw the vehicle – a Chevrolet – pass by him and attempted to stop the vehicle in Dover. The driver – later identified as Shaw – allegedly didn’t stop and a pursuit ensued.

“This pursuit travelled through Dover, Newington and into Portsmouth, eventually heading southbound on Route 95,” according to Lt. Christopher Vetter of the NHSP. “It was as the suspect vehicle entered onto Route 95 that troopers were able to successfully deploy 'stop sticks,’ deflating all four tires on the suspect vehicle. The suspect exited Route 95 at exit 3A and was taken into custody on Grafton Drive in Portsmouth without incident.”

Shaw was arrested and held on $5,000 cash bail. He’s due to be arraigned in Portsmouth District Court tomorrow.

According to Vetter, state police learned that Shaw had been arrested approximately 15 hours prior in the city of Dover after having been involved in a motor vehicle accident there.

“In that instance, Shaw was also alleged to have been driving while intoxicated,” Vetter said. “Shaw was currently out on bail from the Dover incident at the time of this pursuit.”

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department as well as both the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact TFC Shupe at 603-223-8490.

According to online reports, Shaw was arrested for DUI in Rochester in December 2014, according to fosters.com. He lost his license due to the DWI revocation in September 2015, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. In December 2015, he was arrested in Barrington for operating after suspension, according to police.