Mass. teen faces felony charges after leading police on multi-state chase

The driver struck a retaining wall after failing to negotiate a turn during the chase (NHSP photo)

GREENLAND - A Massachusetts teenager fwas arrested on various criminal charges following a multi-town pursuit that ended with a crash in Stratham.

The chase unfolded around 12:30 a.m. today6 when a State Trooper spotted a 2014 Chrysler 300 traveling at 118 mph on Interstate 95 in Greenland. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver of the Chrysler fled the scene.

The Chrysler then entered Route 101 at the Hampton Side Toll Plaza and the pursuit continued westbound through Hampton and Exeter before it concluded when the driver took Exit 11 in Stratham and failed to negotiate around a traffic island at the bottom of the off-ramp. The driver then lost control, and the Chrysler struck a retaining wall at the base of the Route 101 overpass.

The driver of the Chrysler was taken into custody and identified as Jason A. Schalebaum, 18, of Stoneham, Mass. During the investigation, Troopers also noted that Schalebaum displayed signs of impairment.

He was charged with multiple counts of felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor counts of aggravated driving under the influence, disobeying an officer, conduct after an accident and possession of controlled drugs. Schalebaum was taken to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries before he was medically cleared and taken to Rockingham County Jail, where he refused bail. He is scheduled to appear in Brentwood District Court today.

During the investigation, Troopers learned Schalebaum failed to stop for Maine State Police about five minutes before he was encountered in New Hampshire. Additional charges are pending against Schalebaum in Maine. No booking photo is currently available.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Daniel Bourque at Daniel.J.Bourque@DOS.NH.GOV.