Mass. Police Chief Intentionally Struck Twice by Driver During Stop

A driver is on the run from police after intentionally hitting a Massachusetts police chief with his car Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.

Hinsdale, New Hampshire, police have identified the driver as Michael Martelle. Warwick police said they are seeking charges against him in connection with the incident, but it is unclear what the charges are.

Warwick Police Chief David Shoemaker was assisting a sergeant with a traffic stop when the driver involved in the stop — who was later identified as Martelle — hit Shoemaker with his car twice, Warwick police wrote on Facebook. Martelle then fled north into New Hampshire, and Warwick police stopped chasing him due to safety concerns.

Hinsdale police were notified of the incident just before 3:20 p.m., according to the department. Officers responded and soon found Martelle’s vehicle. After noticing the officers, Martelle took off at a high rate of speed, but soon crashed on Brattleboro Road.

Both Martelle and Estrella Crespo — a passenger in Martelle’s vehicle — ran away on foot following the crash, police said. Police soon arrested Crespo and charged her with disobeying an officer.

Martelle was able to evade police and was still on the run as of 11:50 p.m. Tuesday. Even so, there is no information indicating that he poses an immediate threat to the public, police said.

Martelle is a white man with a medium build. He was last seen wearing black shorts and no shirt, police said. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or who sees him is asked to call Hinsdale police.

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