Early Saturday morning, Dec. 13, officers from the Hillsborough Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding and illegal passing on West Main Street near Penstock Hill Road in Hillsborough.
The driver accelerated in an attempt to evade police but crashed seconds later on a sharp curve along West Main Street, striking a utility pole.
Officers saw the driver flee into the woods and immediately organized a large search perimeter with assistance from Antrim and Henniker police. Hillsborough Fire and Rescue responded to address damage to the vehicle and the utility pole.
Hillsborough Police began a search of the area using K9 Voight in conjunction with the department’s drone unit. Just after 1 a.m., K9 Voight located and apprehended the driver, who was hiding beneath a large boulder in the woods off Route 9.
The driver was identified as Michael Lesperance, 45, of Brattleboro, Vermont. Lesperance was transported to Concord Hospital for treatment of cold exposure and a dog bite to his buttock.
Lesperance was charged with disobeying an officer, resisting arrest or detention, conduct after an accident, aggravated DUI, driving after revocation or suspension (subsequent offense), possession of a controlled drug (Schedule I–IV), and related offenses. Police also determined that Lesperance had outstanding warrants from Hinsdale and the state of Vermont.
He is being held at the Hillsborough County House of Corrections pending his court appearance.
