Nashua Police Chase: Spike Strips Deployed; Suspect Hit 2 Cars

NASHUA, NH — A Nashua woman was arrested Wednesday night after police said she led officers on a chase on the Daniel Webster Highway and Everett Turnpike — crashing into two cars in the process. Carmelita Vergez, 54, was charged with a host of crimes. Police said the chase came to an end after officers deployed spike strips and Vergez ran over them, puncturing her vehicle's tires.

The incident started at about 5:30 p.m. on Major Drive, according to Nashua Police Lieutenant Kerry Baxter.

"Vergez told officers that a male subject had been shot and was deceased inside her residence," Baxter said in a statement. Officers later learned there was no shooting and no one was dead, Baxter said.

Vergez proceeded to hop in her 2004 Honda Odyssey van and fled the scene as officers tried to gather more information, Baxter said.

"Vergez failed to stop her vehicle and led officers on a low to moderate speed pursuit to Main Street," Baxter said. "Vergez then drove south on Main Street to the Daniel Webster Highway and crossed into Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. Tyngsborough Police took over the pursuit."

Baxter continued, "While on the Daniel Webster Highway in the area of Adventure Way, Vergez caused a minor collision with another vehicle ... The pursuit continued through Tyngsborough and back onto Massachusetts Route 3 north and back into Nashua ... Nashua Officers resumed the pursuit northbound on the F.E. Everett Turnpike."

At that point, officers deployed spike strips and Vergez ran over them then struck another vehicle, Baxter said. No one was hurt in that collision.

Vergez then ran from her vehicle on foot toward the Nashua River but was soon captured, Baxter said. Vergez was charged with two counts of disobeying a police officer, two counts of conduct after an accident, resisting detention and resisting arrest.

Photo: Carmelita Vergez's mugshot following her arrest in Nashua January 17, 2018. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)