Nashua Stolen Car Suspect Attacked Officer: Police

NASHUA, NH — A Manchester teenager is facing a host of charges after police said he ran from Nashua police officers investigating a stolen car case then broke free of his handcuffs and repeatedly hit an officer over the head. Justin Hart, 19, was eventually brought under control and taken into custody following the incident Monday night at Motel 6 on Progress Avenue, according to Nashua police Lieutenant Craig Allard.

Allard said Londonderry police alerted Nashua officers about a stolen vehicle, which the Nashua officers located at the Motel 6 at about 5:40 p.m.

"A male later identified as Justin Hart entered the stolen vehicle," Allard said in a statement. "Members of the Traffic Unit attempted to stop theHart, who ran from officers and resisted arrest. Hart was transported to the Nashua Police Department."

Allard continued, "While the officer was escorting Hart in the building Hart was able to free one of his hands from the handcuffs. He fled from an officer and fought with the officer. Hart struck the officer in the head numerous times with his handcuffs. Hart was eventually controlled with the assistance of numerous officers and booked. The officer required medical attention and was treated for non-life threatening injuries."

Hart was charged with three counts of first-degree assault, two counts of simple assault, escaping detention, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property. He refused bail pending an arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court December 19.

Photo: Justin Hart's mugshot following his arrest in Nashua December 18, 2017. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)