Hudson Police Chase: Teen Suspect Had Pot, Police Say

HUDSON, NH — A Hudson teenager driving around with marijuana Monday tried to elude a police officer but instead ended up crashing and under arrest, authorities said. Zackary Balcom, 18, was charged with a host of crimes. Police said he rear-ended a woman's vehicle; the woman was not hurt.

According to Hudson police Lieutenant Michael Gosselin, an officer was finishing a traffic stop on Robinson Road at about 5:45 p.m. when he saw Balcom driving a Ford Focus over the 30 mph speed limit.

"Officer (Cody) Lambert changed direction and attempted to catch up to the speeding car and conduct a traffic stop," Gosselin said in a statement. "However, the driver of the Focus failed to yield to the cruiser blue lights and siren, and increased his speed."

Minutes later, Balcom rear-ended a Derry woman in Chevrolet Malibu on Central Street, Gosselin said.

Balcom was charged with disobeying a police officer, reckless driving, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on $10,000 bail pending an arraignment in Nashua District Court January 11.

Photo: Zachary Balcom's mugshot following his arrest in Hudson December 11, 2017. Also pictured are his vehicle and a woman's vehicle after police said Balcom crashed into her. (Credit: Hudson Police Department)