A man from Lowell, Massachusetts, is facing several serious charges following a high-speed police chase that concluded with a collision involving a State Police cruiser in Manchester, New Hampshire. Alejandro Vargas, 27, was arrested after allegedly ramming his pickup truck into a police vehicle during the early hours of March 5, 2024.
The incident began around 1:20 a.m. when the New Hampshire State Police received reports from Epping police officers regarding a brief pursuit of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado on Route 101 westbound. Shortly thereafter, officers from Candia Police located the truck, which was reportedly traveling at speeds of 105 mph.
As the situation escalated, Trooper Brian Knell observed the truck entering Interstate 93 South in Manchester. He initiated a traffic stop when the vehicle reached Exit 1 on Interstate 293 North. Vargas allegedly ignored the signal, prompting a pursuit that continued onto Exit 4 of I-293. The chase culminated on Arnold Street, a dead-end area, where Vargas is accused of turning the vehicle around and colliding with a cruiser driven by Trooper Brian Taylor.
Following the crash, Vargas allegedly struck two parked vehicles before abandoning the truck along with a passenger. The two fled the scene in different directions, sparking a manhunt. Manchester police utilized a drone to assist in locating Vargas, who was spotted running south near Hill Street, approximately half a mile from where the crash occurred. Officers apprehended him without further incident, although the passenger remains at large.
Vargas is now charged with felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon. He also faces multiple misdemeanor counts, including disobeying an officer, resisting arrest, simple assault, and conduct after an accident, as well as several traffic violations.
Authorities later confirmed that Vargas had an outstanding warrant from the U.S. Marshals, although specific details regarding this warrant have not been disclosed. His arraignment was scheduled to take place in Manchester District Court on Wednesday, but the outcome of the hearing is yet to be reported.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding high-speed pursuits and the risks they pose to public safety. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to review the circumstances surrounding the chase and collision.
