Winchester Man Faces Nearly a Dozen Charges After Antrim Police Chase Ends in Head-On Crash That Injured Two Hillsborough Officers
ANTRIM, NH — A Winchester man is facing serious charges after Antrim police say he fled a traffic stop early Monday, led officers on a chase and then crashed head-on into a police cruiser. Two Hillsborough Police Department officers were hurt in the collision, though authorities said they are expected to recover.
Police identified the man as David Bennett, 36. Officers were called to help around 2:30 a.m. Monday after Antrim police said Bennett was stopped for speeding and was believed to be under the influence.
Traffic stop on Old Milk Road escalated into a chase
Antrim police said Bennett did not remain at the stop long enough for officers to place him under arrest. According to authorities, he drove away before he could be taken into custody, prompting the pursuit.
The chase led officers to Old Milk Road, where Hillsborough police found Bennett. Officials said that is where the crash happened, when Bennett drove directly into the police cruiser responding to the scene.
The details released by police indicate the incident unfolded quickly and involved officers from more than one department. Antrim police handled the initial stop, while Hillsborough officers joined the response before the collision.
Two Hillsborough officers were hurt but expected to be OK
The Hillsborough Police Department said two of its officers were injured in the crash. The department’s chief said neither officer suffered serious injuries.
Authorities did not immediately give additional details about the nature of the injuries, but they said both officers are expected to be OK. The crash damaged a police cruiser at the scene, adding another layer to an already fast-moving response.
Police have not said whether any civilians other than Bennett were involved in the collision. The main focus of the injury report remains the two officers who were inside or associated with the cruiser struck during the encounter.
Police say Bennett was stopped for speeding and suspected impairment
Before the chase, Antrim police said Bennett was pulled over because he was driving too fast and was believed to be under the influence. That initial stop set off the sequence of events that ended in the crash on Old Milk Road.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what testing or observations led them to suspect impairment. They also have not said what specific facts supported the speeding allegation beyond the police account of the stop.
What is clear from the arrest information is that officers considered the situation serious enough to involve multiple agencies early in the morning. The suspected impairment and traffic violation were central to the stop that led to Bennett’s attempted flight.
Bennett was taken into custody at the crash scene
Antrim police said they were able to reach the scene after the collision and take Bennett into custody. His arrest came after the chase and the head-on impact with the cruiser on Old Milk Road.
Officials said Bennett was arraigned Monday afternoon. A judge took the question of bail under advisement, meaning a final decision on release conditions had not been made at that time.
Police said Bennett is facing nearly a dozen charges, including multiple Class B felonies. Authorities did not list every count in the information released Monday, but the number and severity of the charges indicate the case could carry significant penalties if prosecutors move forward with the allegations.
What happens next in the case
The case now moves through the court process after the arraignment and bail hearing step on Monday. Bennett’s charges, including the felony counts, will likely be reviewed further as the prosecution and defense begin their next stages.
For now, the immediate public safety concern described by police has passed, and the injured officers are expected to recover. The crash also serves as the latest example of how a routine traffic stop can escalate rapidly when a driver flees and officers are forced to respond across town.
Officials have not announced any additional details about the investigation, the cruiser damage or whether more charges could be added later.
