An 18-year-old Stoneham man is facing a stack of charges after troopers say he tore through multiple New Hampshire towns at speeds up to 118 mph, only to crash his Chrysler 300 into a retaining wall at the base of the Route 101 overpass in Stratham. The chase started on I-95 near Greenland, continued west after the driver exited at the Hampton-side toll plaza, and raced through Hampton and Exeter before ending at exit 11 in Stratham. Police say the driver was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital before being booked at the Rockingham County Jail.
As reported by NBC Boston, police identified the driver as 18-year-old Jason A. Schalebaum of Stoneham. Authorities say Schalebaum faces multiple counts, including felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence, disobeying an officer, conduct after an accident and possession of controlled drugs. Maine investigators are expected to bring additional charges after state police say he failed to stop for Maine troopers about five minutes earlier.
How the Chase Unfolded
State police say a trooper first spotted the Chrysler ripping along I-95 near Greenland at 118 mph, which triggered the pursuit across town lines. The car exited at the Hampton-side toll plaza and continued west on Route 101, cutting through Hampton and Exeter before taking exit 11 in Stratham. At the end of the ramp, troopers say the driver failed to navigate a traffic island, hit a retaining wall and brought the chase to an abrupt end.
Police told NBC Boston that Schalebaum showed signs of impairment during the investigation. He was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital, then taken to the Rockingham County Jail. Officials say he refused bail and was scheduled for arraignment in Brentwood District Court at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Charges and Next Steps
The mix of misdemeanor and felony counts means the case will move through Rockingham County, with the possibility of separate proceedings in Maine tied to the earlier attempted stop. If both states move forward with charges, prosecutors may coordinate arraignments and any transfer of custody, while Brentwood District Court handles the initial hearings on the New Hampshire counts. Schalebaum remains in custody as prosecutors review the case and decide how to proceed.
Why It Matters Locally
High-speed pursuits on I-95 and Route 101 can turn routine commutes into high-risk situations for drivers and first responders, especially where highway traffic meets local exit ramps and toll plazas. Multi-town chases demand quick coordination between state and local agencies, and incidents like this often trigger internal reviews of how and when troopers decide to stay in pursuit. Residents in the affected communities can feel the ripple effects of those split-second decisions long after the flashing lights are gone.
State police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or video from the incident to contact the New Hampshire State Police. Local authorities did not immediately release additional details as the case moves through the courts.
