Rindge police are seeking information about a motorcyclist who fled when police attempted to pull them over in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Rindge Sgt. Rachel Malynowski was on patrol on Route 119 on Sunday at about 12:20 a.m. when she signaled the rider to stop for excessive speed in a 55 mile-per-hour zone.

“The motorcycle slowed down, turned and fled in the opposite direction,” Malynowski said Wednesday.

The motorcyclist turned onto North Street, where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour, and Malynowski said she had to stop the pursuit for safety reasons. The driver was still using “excessive” speed, Malynowski said, and turn-offs from North Street would have all required sharp turns. She said for the safety of both the motorcycle driver and any other drivers who might have been on the road she abandoned the chase. 

“Pursuits are a high-risk undertaking,” she said. “It’s always better to call it off for safety, do a thorough investigation, and pursue charges later than risk an accident.”

The motorcycle was sighted by New Ipswich police on Turnpike Road later that night.

Malynowski declined to say how fast the motorcycle was going when she originally attempted to stop it, or the top speed it reached during the pursuit, due to the ongoing nature of the case. 

The driver, once identified, could face charges including reckless operation, disobeying a police officer, improper use of emergency lights and speeding. 

Malynowski said due to the low lighting conditions, she was unable to get the plate number or other identifying marks of the motorcycle. The motorcycle is a dark-colored sport-style bike with a round front headlight, and a blue light near the front left side of the bike. The driver’s gender is unknown. 

“I encourage people to come forward with any information. I do anticipate identifying the suspect and bringing charges forward,” Malynowski said. “I’m looking for the help of the community. Let’s get this guy.”

If you have any information, contact Malynowski at 899-5009 ext. 15 or at rmalynowski@police.rindge.nh.us. Tips can also be submitted through a link which can be found on the Rindge Police Department Facebook page.

 

Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.