SALEM, N.H. — A high-speed police pursuit ended in a dramatic crash and arrests on Wednesday, July 16th, after a suspect involved in the theft of a police officer’s rifle was taken into custody in Salem, New Hampshire.
According to the Salem Police Department, the incident unfolded at approximately 12:54 PM when officers were alerted to an active vehicle pursuit heading into Salem from Methuen, Massachusetts. Methuen Police, alongside Massachusetts State Police, were pursuing a Hyundai Santa Fe linked to a string of vehicle break-ins dating back to June 17th in Salem. One of the most alarming incidents involved a break-in of an off-duty police officer’s vehicle, from which a department-issued rifle was stolen.
The pursuit escalated dangerously after entering Salem, with the suspect’s vehicle nearly striking a Salem Police cruiser head-on while crossing the Cross Street bridge over Route 93. Undeterred, Salem Police joined the Massachusetts agencies in the pursuit, which continued through Cluff Crossing Road and onto Route 28.
The chase came to a crashing end when the Hyundai Santa Fe collided on the rail trail at the intersection of Cluff Crossing and Route 28. Both occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by law enforcement after a brief foot chase.
The driver was identified as Scott Marshall Sullivan Jr., 34, of Derry, NH. Sullivan, who was already out on bail for multiple theft-related offenses and a prior charge of Resisting Arrest in Salem, complained of unknown injuries and was transported to a local hospital before being processed at the Salem Police Department.
Sullivan now faces a host of serious charges, including:
- Felony B: Reckless Conduct with a Deadly Weapon
- Misdemeanor A: Disobeying an Officer
- Misdemeanor A: Resisting Arrest
- Misdemeanor A: Operating After Suspension for DUI
- Misdemeanor A: Contempt
- Misdemeanor A: Breach of Bail
- Violation: Reckless Operation
In addition to these charges, Sullivan has active warrants from Rockingham Superior Court and is expected to face further charges in Massachusetts related to the firearm theft and other incidents. He is currently being held without bail at the Rockingham County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Salem Circuit Court.
The passenger, identified as Sarahann Jacobs, 27, homeless, was also taken into custody after fleeing on foot. She was charged with one count of Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) and was released on personal recognizance bail with a scheduled future court date.
Authorities have confirmed the investigation remains active. Salem Police detectives are urging anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Detective Art Harvey or Detective Jake Genest.
This incident has sparked renewed concerns about rising property crimes and the dangers posed by high-speed pursuits, particularly when stolen police firearms are involved.
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