Somersworth woman arrested on habitual offender, DWI charges after Rt. 16 pursuit

NEWINGTON - A Somersworth woman was arrested on multiple charges after speeding more than a 100 mph during a pursuit Saturday on Route 16.

The incident unfolded around 5:55 p.m. when a state trooper attempted to stop a 2022 Honda Accord for speeding on Route 16 southbound in Dover. When the driver failed to yield and sped away at speeds well in excess of 100 mph, a pursuit ensued, according to a Dept. of Safety press release issued Sunday.

Multiple state troopers followed the vehicle on Route 16 until the driver took the Exit 3 off-ramp, where the Honda veered off the road and came to rest in the median. The driver then fled the scene but was quickly apprehended with the assistance of a passing driver, an off-duty officer with the Ogunquit (Maine) Police Department.

The suspect was identified as Stephanie Dupont, 41, of Somersworth. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Dupont was arrested on multiple charges, including felony counts of operating after being certified as a habitual offender, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, disobeying an officer, and aggravated driving while under the influence. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Portsmouth District Court.

Troopers were assisted on scene by members of the Newington police and fire departments. A portion of the Exit 3 off-ramp was closed during the investigation but reopened after approximately 30 minutes.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Philip Sheehy at Philip.J.Sheehy@dos.nh.gov.