Teen Driver Arrested After Pursuit

DOVER, N.H. – A teenage driver was arrested after a nearly 30-mile pursuit.

At 8:34 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, New Hampshire State Troopers assigned to Troop A barracks attempted to stop the driver of a black 2013 BMW 335xi for speed on Route 16 northbound in Dover. The vehicle was initially seen traveling 95 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Instead of slowing down and pulling over, however, the driver sped up and drove in an increasingly dangerous manner.

A pursuit was initiated and continued for nearly 30 miles and approximately 15 minutes. During the pursuit, the driver drove recklessly at speeds as high as 137 mph. 

Troopers coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to deploy a tire deflation device to stop the driver. Shortly after hitting the device, the driver attempted a sudden turn and lost control of the BMW, which ultimately ended up in a ditch. 

The driver was taken into custody and identified as Thomas C. Smart, 18, of Goshen, Connecticut. Smart was charged with felony reckless conduct and misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and disobeying a police officer. He was not hurt during the crash and has remained in preventative detention since his arrest. A passenger, who has not been not charged, was also uninjured.

During the pursuit, Troopers were assisted by members of the Wakefield Police Department, Wakefield Fire Rescue, Rochester Police Department and Milton Police Department. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper William Bohnenberger at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov.