Wrong-Way Speeder Fled On Foot After Crashing Into Rock: Portsmouth Police

PORTSMOUTH, RI — A wanted Middletown man fled from the law at speeds reaching about 90 mph before crashing into a rock and running off, police said.

Portsmouth police were notified of a black Jeep Grand Cherokee speeding up West Main Road about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, the department said in a media release.

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The driver, 46-year-old Richard Troupe, had "fled from the Middletown Police after officers attempted to stop him for an active arrest warrant for the violation of a domestic no-contact order," the release said.

"There was a concern that Troupe may be in possession of a firearm due to previously reported information," according to the release.

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A Portsmouth officer spotted Troupe speeding along West Main Road near Raytheon, reaching speeds of about 90 mph, and attempted to pull him over, according to the release.

Troupe "failed to stop and continued northbound, driving into oncoming lanes of traffic," the release said.

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"Officers terminated the pursuit due to the dangerous manner of operation by Troupe," the release said. "Moments later, the vehicle pulled off the roadway in the vicinity of West Passage Drive and the vehicle collided with a rock resulting in disabling damage."

A passenger was detained, according to the release, but Troupe had taken off on foot.

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Melville Elementary School was directed to shelter in place while Troupe was on the loose, the release said, and officers established a perimeter and deployed a drone and a police dog.

Troupe was spotted leaving a yard off West Main Road shortly after 2:30 p.m. and subsequently captured near Jax Diner, according to the release.

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"Troupe and the female passenger were both transported to the Portsmouth Police Department for further investigation," the release said. "The incident remains under investigation, and appropriate charges will be forthcoming."