Merrimack Man Leads Police Through Amherst And Milford Before Crashing

AMHERST, NH — Amherst police responded to an incident Thursday that led to a pursuit after police say the driver was driving erratically on Route 101A near the Milford town line.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle at about 9 p.m., but the vehicle initially began to pull over and abruptly accelerated away, according to police. The pursuit continued into Milford at a high rate of speed, where, due to concerns for public safety, the pursuit was terminated. The driver, identified as Joshua William Corbett, 34, of Merrimack. He was accused by police of re-entering Amherst via Ponemah Hill Road, causing property damage in Milford along the way.

Despite the deployment of stop sticks by an Amherst unit on Ponemah Road, the vehicle continued onto Stearns Road, colliding with a mailbox before ultimately losing control at the intersection of Boston Post Road and crashing into the woods. Officers took Corbett into custody without incident at the crash site. Amherst Fire Rescue responded to the scene to evaluate Corbett and determined he had no serious injuries from the crash.

Corbett faces a series of charges related to the incident, including operating after being certified as a habitual offender, aggravated DWI, disobeying an officer, conduct after an accident, and reckless operation charges. Additionally, the Milford Police Department charged Corbett with three counts of Conduct After an Accident. Corbett was booked and released on personal recognizance bail, with a pending arraignment date set for February 2, 2024, at Hillsborough County Superior Court.

In a statement, police said, "The Amherst Police Department emphasizes its commitment to ensuring public safety and reminds individuals of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and responsible driving behavior."