Drunk Driver Flees Crash Scene in Stolen Car, Crashes Again: Police

Two men are facing various charges after they both fled the scene of crashes on Halloween night in Portsmouth — one on foot, the other in a stolen Mazda that was subsequently destroyed after a second crash as police were in pursuit.

Police said they were dispatched to East Main Road near Village Way to investigate a crash. As police were investigating, a passenger in one of the cars identified as Jeremiah Berube got out and ran away.

The driver, identified as Elliot Britto, then fled the scene and drove off at a high rate of speed.

Police gave chase and followed Britto for about a mile before he crashed with another car at the intersection of Boyd’s Lane and the onramp to Route 24 north.

Britto smelled like alcohol and became combative with police at the scene and police soon determined that the car he was driving was stolen out of Providence.

The driver of the car that Britto struck was transported to St. Anne’s Hospital for minor injuries, police said.

Berube was found near the scene of the first accident and taken into custody without incident. He is facing charges of obstruction of justice.

Britto is being charged with driving under the influence, eluding a police officer and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. He is also being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle., driving with a suspended license and simple assault.

Police said Britto also was also wanted for failing to appear in court.

Both men are being held overnight and will be arraigned by a justice of the peace on Sunday.