I-93 Chase Ends South of Windham

A Manchester man led police on a car chase Wednesday early Wednesday morning that started in Manchester and ended on Interstate 93 in Salem.

Manchester Police said Charles Colon, 46, was charged with numerous crimes by both N.H. State Police and Manchester authorities including felon in possession of a firearm; reckless conduct; disobeying a police officer; resisting arrest and possession of a controlled drug (heroin).

According to police, Manchester Police Officer Eric Joyal initiated a traffic stop of a Hyundai Accent for a violation at the intersection of Hecker Street and Main Street Wednesday morning at about 1:10 a.m.

Joyal made contact with the driver while another officer, Ian Fleming, made contact with the passenger. Fleming noticed the passenger had the handgrip of a pistol coming out of his pocket, and when the passenger moved his hand in that direction, Fleming reached into the window and grabbed a hold of the weapon.

Police said Fleming and the passenger struggled over the weapon, which eventually fell from their grasp. Fleming attempted to pull the passenger from the car but lost his grip, stumbled backwards and then unholstered his service firearm, pointing it at the passenger and ordered him to exit the vehicle.

While this was happening, police said Joyal engaged the driver in a struggle. He was able to pull the driver, Filiberto Rodriguez, 40, of Lawrence, Mass., out of the car without further incident. Police said Rodriguez was later charged with the motor vehicle violation and released.

After Rodriguez had been removed from the vehicle, police said the passenger "maneuvered himself into the driver’s seat and sped off in the vehicle."

Police initiated a pursuit of the vehicle, which went through a Manchester neighborhood before leading to I-293. State police responded and took over the chase as it went south on I-93.

Police said the car was eventually stopped near Exit 2 in Salem and after a brief foot pursuit the suspect, tentatively identified by police as Colon, was taken into custody.

Colon was found in possession of drugs, police said, including a large amount of heroin found in his pants, and a loaded handgun was also recovered.

As Colon exhibited a possible medical issue while being held by Manchester Police, he was transported to Elliot Hospital where he is currently admitted. Police said they expect Colon will be arraigned at the hospital today while police continue to investigate and confirm his identity.