Lowell man hit cruiser in NH chase, state police say

A Massachusetts man has been arrested after allegedly hitting a New Hampshire State Police cruiser during a chase that ended in Manchester.

Authorities arrested 27-year-old Alejandro Vargas of Lowell early Tuesday morning, they announced Wednesday. Police in Epping notified state police at 1:21 a.m. that a silver 2026 Chevrolet Silverado had fled from them.

Epping officers briefly pursued the truck and had last seen it heading west on Route 101. Police in Candia then reported seeing the same truck going 105 mph.

State police said a trooper tried to stop the truck at Exit 1 on Interstate 293 northbound, but the driver refused to pull over.

The driver got off I-293 on Arnold Street, a dead end, and tried to turn around. He allegedly hit a state police cruiser and two parked vehicles.

State police said the driver and a passenger got out and ran in opposite directions. Manchester police officers, who arrived to the scene with a drone, found and arrested the driver, identified as Vargas.

The passenger was not found. Police did not issue a description.

Vargas had an outstanding warrant from the U.S. Marshals Service, police said without giving details on why he was wanted.

In Tuesday’s incident, Vargas is facing a felony charge of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor charges of simple assault, disobeying an officer, resisting arrest and conduct after an accident, as well as multiple unspecified violations.

Police said Vargas was expected to be arraigned Wednesday at Manchester District Court. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.