Two people, including a Haverhill woman, are facing charges from Methuen and New Hampshire authorities following a two-state police pursuit and two collisions involving police cruisers Tuesday afternoon, before ending along route 97 in Haverhill.
Methuen police began pursuit of a vehicle operated by Chad Tombarello, 30, of Lawrence, at about noon, Tuesday after failing to stop for an officer on Broadway, route 28, near the MSPCA Nevins Farm, according to a statement from Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon. Tombarello then began driving on the wrong side of the roadway into traffic, back across Broadway onto Route 213 westbound and Interstate 93 northbound. After crossing the state line, New Hampshire State Police took over the pursuit and Salem, N.H., police joined when Tombarello exited I-93. In Salem, he allegedly intentionally crashed into a Salem police cruiser in order to further evade police. After proceeding to Route 97, Tombarello re-crossed the state line into Methuen, then Haverhill, ramming into a N.H. State Police cruiser at a high rate of speed. When the suspect’s vehicle could not continue, Tombarello and a passenger, Natasha Johnson, 23, of Haverhill, fled on foot before they were each apprehended nearby.
“I’d like to thank both the Salem Police Department and New Hampshire State Police for their assistance in (Tuesday’s) pursuit,” Solomon said. “I am proud of how professionally our officers acted while facing such a complex situation.”
Tombarello and Johnson were held pending court arraignment. Tombarello faces multiple charges including operating to endanger, speeding, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, driving with a revoked license and resisting arrest. Under three outstanding warrants, he also faces charges of receiving stolen property, assault and battery, intimidating a witness and other motor vehicle charges. Johnson was charged by Methuen police with disorderly conduct.