David Shoemaker : N.H. School District Closed as Police Search for Driver Who Struck Mass. Police Chief

By | May 22, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. N.H. school district closure
2. Police search for driver incident

Local schools in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, remain closed as police search for a driver who allegedly struck a police chief in Massachusetts before fleeing to New Hampshire. The suspect, identified as Michael Martelle, is described as a white male with a medium build. The hit-and-run incident prompted a Hinsdale school to shelter in place, with all schools in the public district closed on Wednesday. The suspect’s vehicle was last seen heading west on Route 119 towards Hinsdale. A female passenger was arrested, but Martelle fled on foot. The police chief’s condition remains unknown, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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1. New Hampshire school district closure
2. Police search for driver in Massachusetts

HINSDALE, N.H. — The small town of Hinsdale, nestled north of Amherst, Massachusetts just over the New Hampshire/Massachusetts border, found itself at the center of a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday afternoon. Local schools were forced to remain closed on Wednesday as police continue their search for a driver who allegedly struck a police chief in Massachusetts, then fled to New Hampshire, crashed, and walked away from the vehicle near a school.

The Hit-and-Run Incident

The incident unfolded around 3:19 p.m. when local police in Warwick, Massachusetts received reports that a police officer, later identified as Warwick Police Chief David Shoemaker, had been deliberately struck twice by a motorist during a routine traffic stop. The suspect, identified as Michael Martelle, fled the scene, heading northbound towards Hinsdale.

The Search Intensifies

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As the pursuit continued into New Hampshire, officers spotted Martelle’s vehicle near Main Street in Hinsdale. A brief chase ensued, culminating in a crash on Brattleboro Road. Martelle and a female passenger, later identified as Estrella Crespo, abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Crespo was swiftly apprehended and charged, but Martelle managed to evade capture.

Safety Measures in Place

Given the proximity of the incident to a local school, authorities took swift action, instructing the school to shelter in place to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Hinsdale School District’s quick response in implementing safety protocols was commended by the police.

A Collaborative Effort

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Chesterfield Police Department, Warwick Police Department, Winchester Police Department, and Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office, joined forces to assist in the search for Martelle. K-9 units and drones were deployed in an effort to locate the fugitive.

Community Concerns

The unsettling nature of the incident has left the community on edge, with residents urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Martelle to the authorities. The condition of Police Chief David Shoemaker remains unknown, adding to the sense of unease in the town.

Final Thoughts

As the investigation continues, residents of Hinsdale are left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking turn of events. The swift response of law enforcement and the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies offer hope for a resolution to this troubling incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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