Boat Chase on Lake Winnipesaukee

On Thursday, July 15, 2021 at approximately 5:58 PM, New Hampshire State Police-Marine Patrol received a request from the Gilford Police Department to assist with an incident involving an assault. A suspect had left the scene of a domestic disturbance in a vessel from the Smith Cove area on Lake Winnipesaukee.

NHSP-Marine Patrol Supervisor Brian Starck responded and saw the subject operating the boat.  He was later identified as Peter Morrissette, age 59 of Gilford, NH.   As Supervisor Starck approached the vessel, they had a brief conversation in which Morrissette refused to cooperate and the boat again left the area.  Supervisor Starck pursued him, and was assisted by additional patrol boats with Marine Patrol and Gilford officers aboard.  The pursuit continued at varying speeds across a large portion of Lake Winnipesaukee.  After approximately an hour, contact was made via cell phone with Morrissette who agreed to turn himself in at Marine Patrol Headquarters.  

At approximately 7:30 PM, officers from the Gilford Police Department and Marine Patrol arrested Morrissette.  He is scheduled for an arraignment this afternoon for Marine Patrol charges including Felony Reckless Conduct, Misdemeanor Class A Careless and Negligent Operation of Boats, Misdemeanor Class A Disobeying an Officer, and Misdemeanor Class A Disorderly Conduct at Belknap County Superior Court.  He is also being charged with one count of Misdemeanor Class A Domestic Violence-Simple Assault through Gilford Police Department.  

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has further information is encouraged to contact NHSP-MP Sergeant Nicholas Haroutunian at 603-227-2112 or by email at Nicholas.M.Haroutunian@dos.nh.gov.