A New Hampshire woman was arrested after a weekend pursuit that led to a 20-minute standoff with police on Interstate 89 in Concord, state police said Monday.

Desiree Charter, 38, of Nashua, was charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, driving after being deemed a habitual offender, possession of a controlled drug – subsequent, aggravated DUI, driving under the influence and disobeying an officer, state police said.

At 10:22 p.m. Sunday, troopers tried to stop the driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, later identified as Charter, for lane control violations on Clinton Street in Concord.

The troopers used emergency lights and sirens, but Charter increased speed and continued swerving in lanes while driving Concord and Hopkinton, state police said.

During the pursuit, Charter nearly hit another vehicle on I-89 northbound in Concord. State police said troopers were later able to successfully deflate the SUV’s tires using a tire deflation device near Exit 4.

But Charter continued northbound on I-89 for about a mile before crashing into the right guardrail. She then refused commands from troopers, prompting a 20-minute standoff, state police said.

During the standoff, I-89 was closed in the area of mile marker 7.

Eventually, Charter got out of the SUV and was taken into custody. She was taken by ambulance to Concord Hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries, state police said.

Troopers later learned that Concord Police had also tried to stop the same vehicle earlier in the evening, but Charter failed to stop for officers, who chose to end their pursuit.

Charter is scheduled to appear in Concord District Court on Jan. 10.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Skiers and riders at Storrs Hill Ski Area in Lebanon, N.H. can ski for free all season long.

The ski area, which opened in 1923 and is run by the nonprofit Lebanon Outing Club, is offering free lift tickets during the 2024-25 season thanks to a gift from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation.

“This project embodies the spirit of our community, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and experience the magic of winter sports,” said Cory Grant, hill manager and president of the Lebanon Outing Club, in a statement. “We hope this initiative brings neighbors together and inspires a love of skiing in a fun and accessible way.” 

The ski area, which sees about 5,000 visitors annually, has 20 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 300 feet, seven trails, one lift, two ski jumps, a terrain park, instructional programs, a lodge, and night skiing. Skiers have been hitting the slopes there at night since 1939.

The donation could result in free skiing during subsequent seasons as well, according to the ski area.

Storrs Hill Ski Area is open Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Skiers do not need to make a reservation but should note that rental equipment is not available. Those interested can view a trail map.

Another New Hampshire ski area helping skiers financially this season is King Pine Ski Area in Madison, N.H, where skiers can hit the slopes for $4 on Dec. 19 in celebration of its Founders Day.

Kristi Palma

Culture writer

 

Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.