Police on lookout for local man who fled traffic stop

James R. Hartford (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police said today they now have warrants on - and are on the lookout for - a man in connection with an incident on Wednesday in which a suspect wanted on a bench warrant allegedly fled during an attempted traffic stop.

The man has been identified as James R. Hartford, 22, formerly of Hansonville Road, Rochester, but now listed as "address unknown" by police.

Police said that on Wednesday around 3:40 p.m. two detectives saw the man driving on what they knew was a suspended license and tried to stop him with lights flashing on River Street.

When it became apparent he was fleeing the scene, detectives shut their emergency lights off.

However, they continued to follow him and tried stopping him again on River Street, after which he turned down Pine Street.

At that point detectives discontinued their slow pursuit, but later found him stopped in traffic trying to turn onto Washington Street, and pulled up behind him.

As luck would have it, however, the man found an opening in traffic and took off again, this time onto the Spaulding Turnpike, police believe.

The arrest warrants were filed today and charge Hartford with disobeying an officer, reckless operation, driving after suspension, misuse of plates and contempt, Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said.

Hartford also remains wanted by the Strafford County Sheriff's office on a bench warrant - called a Capias - issued out of Strafford County Superior Court.

In October Rochester Police charged Hartford with receiving stolen property and drug possession.