Pair From Maine Arrested On Charges After Being Chased By Hampton Cops

HAMPTON, NH — Two men from Maine were arrested on various charges after a police chase on Thursday morning.

Just before 8:45 a.m., an officer monitoring traffic on Winnacunnet Road near Academy Avenue reported seeing a 2008 Mercedes E-Class speeding while approaching his location. The car also matched the description of a vehicle included in a BOLO (“be-on-the-lookout”) alert by New Hampshire State Police about reckless driving on Interstate 95, according to Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno.

As the driver passed the officer, they turned into the town office parking lot and continued driving recklessly, he said. The officer attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop, but the car failed to stop and fled the scene, passing other vehicles on the left until they reached Lafayette Road, Reno said. The driver then pulled into the parking lot of Dunkin’ Donuts at 369 Lafayette Road, and two men fled the scene on foot.

An officer and a sergeant made contact with the driver, Daytona J. Roode, 25, of Waterville, Maine, inside the business. The second man, later identified as Zackahira Stewart, 18, of Madison, Maine, was accused of fleeing to the woods behind the property.

“During the interaction inside the business,” Reno said, “Roode was reported to be uncooperative with investigators. Officers detained Roode and found that he had a handgun on him.”

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Hampton detectives later determined the firearm was stolen, Reno said. Additionally, he added, officers alleged during their investigation that they had cause to believe Roode was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Police also learned the Mercedes was reported stolen in Maine and Roode’s license was suspended.

Reno said police set up a perimeter and searched the woods for Stewart, with the assistance of K-9 “Icky,” other officers, and witnesses. Stewart was found later on Winnacunnet Road.

“Officers reported that their investigation led them to determine that Stewart was under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

Roode was charged with receiving stolen property-vehicle and receiving stolen property-firearm, both felony counts, as well as aggravated driving under the influence-attempt to elude police, aggravated DUI-BAC of 0.16 or higher, DUI-second offense, driving after revocation or suspension, and two resisting arrest or detention charges, as well as an open container violation.

Stewart was charged with loitering and prowling as well as unlawful possession-intoxication charges.

Reno accused Roode of being “verbally and physically combative” during processing, which required officers to “subdue him.” He declined bail and was held. Roode was arraigned in Hampton District Court on Friday, and bail was set at $5,000 cash. He has a probable cause hearing on Feb. 14.

Stewart was released on a summons and is due in district court on April 8. He was also taken into protective custody and taken to the Rockingham County Jail.

Reno said no injuries were reported and the case was still under investigation. State police and police in Waterville, Maine, assisted with the case.

“The diligence, professional response, and collaborative efforts of the officers involved in this case underscore their exceptional work,” Reno said. “I am genuinely thankful that this situation resolved safely, particularly given the circumstances that unfolded.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222.

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