Motorcyclist Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit and Crash on I-93

Stephanie Lane Arrest Photo

BOW— A Barnstead woman was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly fleeing New Hampshire State Police on a motorcycle and crashing while attempting to exit Interstate 93 in Hooksett.

Stephanie Lane, 35, faces multiple charges following the incident, which began around 9:26 a.m. when Trooper Jacob Plourde of Troop D attempted to stop a motorcycle on I-93 in Bow. The motorcycle matched the description of one previously reported for evading law enforcement.

Instead of stopping, the motorcyclist accelerated and began weaving through traffic, passing other vehicles at high speed. Trooper Plourde, participating in a special traffic enforcement initiative by the State Police Special Enforcement Unit, halted the ground pursuit and relayed information to a State Police aircraft piloted by Trooper Thomas Lombardi.

From the air, authorities tracked the motorcycle as it continued at speeds approaching 90 mph, maneuvering dangerously between cars. Ground units maintained a safe distance, allowing the aircraft to monitor the situation.

The pursuit ended abruptly when the motorcyclist failed to navigate the curve at Exit 9N in Hooksett and crashed. Sergeant John LaPointe was the first to arrive at the scene and identified the rider as Lane. She was found conscious and breathing. Emergency responders from Hooksett Fire and Rescue treated her for minor injuries at the scene.

Lane was charged with disobeying an officer, reckless driving, misuse of plates, operating without a motorcycle license, and having both an unregistered and uninspected vehicle. She was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Concord District Court on Sept. 5.