BARNSTEAD, N.H. (WHDH) - A New Hampshire man who led officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen car before crashing on Monday was found with bullets, a Donald Trump mask, and an array of suspicious items, police say.
Officers who were warned that Michael Martel Jr., 30, of Epsom, was armed and heading to Barnstead to retaliate for money he was owed from a previous drug deal spotted his vehicle on Route 28 in the area of Parade Road, according to police.
When they tried to pull him over, police say Martel sped off southbound, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph before losing control and crashing into a snowbank at the intersection of Bear Hill and Center roads.
Martel, who fled into the woods, was arrested without incident after a brief search.
A subsequent investigation determined the vehicle Martel was driving had been reported stolen earlier in the day in Concord. Police say a search of the vehicle uncovered black backpacks containing bullets, a rubber Donald Trump mask, bandanas, gloves, binoculars, flashlights, bolt cutters, and an array of electronics, sunglasses, and car stereos.
Martel is slated to be arraigned in Laconia Court on charges including receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, disobeying a police officer, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and possessing burglarious tools.
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