Littleton, New Hampshire – A high-speed police pursuit that began in Littleton on Friday escalated into a multi-agency incident spanning two states, ending with a crash and arrest in Vermont. Authorities say the chase involved a stolen pickup truck, forced the shutdown of a major interstate, and left several officers with minor injuries.
Incident Overview
The incident unfolded when law enforcement in New Hampshire began pursuing a stolen 2026 GMC pickup truck traveling through the Littleton area. As the chase intensified, Interstate 93 was temporarily shut down to manage public safety risks. The pursuit ultimately crossed state lines and concluded in Vermont, where officers were able to stop the vehicle.
According to officials, the driver showed no signs of stopping despite the presence of multiple police cruisers and escalating efforts to bring the chase to a controlled end.
Timeline of Events
The pursuit began earlier in the day when New Hampshire police identified the stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop in Littleton. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated, initiating a chase that lasted nearly 30 minutes.
During the pursuit, speeds reportedly exceeded 100 miles per hour, creating dangerous conditions for officers and other motorists. Law enforcement agencies coordinated across jurisdictions as the suspect moved north and then east toward the Vermont border.
Details From Police and Officials
The Vermont State Police confirmed they were alerted by New Hampshire authorities that a suspect vehicle was heading toward their jurisdiction. Troopers positioned themselves along known routes to prepare for interception.
“Troopers were notified by New Hampshire State Police of an active pursuit involving a stolen vehicle entering Vermont,” police stated in an official release.
As the chase continued, the suspect crossed into Waterford, Vermont, exited the roadway, and then entered Interstate 91 heading toward Barnet. That is where Vermont troopers deployed spike strips, successfully disabling the vehicle and bringing the pursuit to an end.
Crash and Officer Injuries
Before crossing into Vermont, the suspect caused a collision involving two New Hampshire State Police cruisers and one Littleton Police Department cruiser. Officials said the crash occurred during an attempt to contain the fleeing vehicle.
The officers involved sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. No life-threatening injuries were reported, and no civilian vehicles were directly involved in the crash.
Authorities emphasized that high-speed pursuits carry inherent risks, and decisions are constantly evaluated based on public safety considerations.
Suspect Identification and Charges
The driver was later identified as Marisa Levesque, 42, of Groton, New Hampshire. After the vehicle was disabled in Vermont, Levesque was taken into custody without further incident.
She faces multiple charges, including:
- Attempting to elude a police officer
- Aggravated operation without the owner’s consent
Levesque was ordered to remain in police custody due to the lack of $10,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on February 2.
Additional Context: Risks of High-Speed Chases
High-speed police pursuits pose significant dangers not only to suspects and officers but also to the public. Speeds exceeding highway limits drastically reduce reaction times and increase the likelihood of serious collisions.
Many departments follow strict pursuit policies that weigh the severity of the alleged crime against potential risks to bystanders. In this case, authorities determined the pursuit was necessary due to the stolen vehicle and the suspect’s reckless driving behavior.
Safety and Public Awareness
Police urge drivers to stay clear of active pursuits and follow all instructions during road closures or traffic diversions. If motorists encounter an emergency response situation, slowing down and maintaining distance can help prevent secondary accidents.
Officials also encourage the public to report suspicious activity promptly and avoid attempting to intervene in police actions.
Conclusion
The interstate pursuit that began in Littleton, New Hampshire, and ended in Vermont highlights the complexity and risks of cross-state law enforcement operations. Thanks to coordinated efforts between agencies, the suspect was taken into custody, and the situation was resolved without serious injuries.
If you witnessed this incident or have concerns about public safety in your area, share your experiences in the comments below.
