Portsmouth Man Arrested After Wild Police Chase

Suspect led authorities on a multi-city manhunt before being apprehended.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of metal police handcuffs, the harsh flash lighting casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the textured surface, conceptually representing the tense conclusion of a dangerous pursuit.A dramatic close-up of the tools of law enforcement, reflecting the intensity of a high-speed pursuit and multi-agency manhunt.Portsmouth Today

New Hampshire State Police arrested a 32-year-old Portsmouth man on Thursday night following a high-speed vehicle pursuit and extensive manhunt that stretched across two cities. The suspect, identified as James Donovan, allegedly fled from police after they attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation, leading to a chaotic chase that involved multiple law enforcement agencies before he was finally taken into custody.

Why it matters

Police chases and manhunts can pose serious risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who refuse to comply with orders. The multi-jurisdictional nature of the pursuit also underscores the need for strong coordination between different police departments.

The details

According to authorities, the incident began when state troopers tried to stop Donovan's vehicle for a minor traffic infraction in Portsmouth. Donovan allegedly refused to pull over and sped away, leading police on a chase through the city streets. The pursuit then crossed into neighboring Newington, where Donovan reportedly abandoned his car and fled on foot. A large-scale manhunt involving state police, local police, and a K-9 unit ensued, finally resulting in Donovan's capture about an hour later.

  • The incident began around 8:15 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2026 when state troopers attempted to pull over Donovan's vehicle.
  • The high-speed chase through Portsmouth and into Newington lasted approximately 15 minutes.
  • Donovan was apprehended by authorities around 9:30 pm on the same evening.

The players

James Donovan

A 32-year-old Portsmouth resident who led police on a dangerous chase and multi-city manhunt before being arrested.

New Hampshire State Police

The state law enforcement agency that initiated the traffic stop and pursued the suspect across multiple jurisdictions.

Newington Police Department

The local police force that assisted state troopers in searching for and ultimately capturing the suspect after he fled on foot.

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What they’re saying

“We will not tolerate individuals who recklessly endanger the public by fleeing from law enforcement. This arrest should serve as a warning that we will use all available resources to apprehend suspects and hold them accountable.”

— Colonel Nathan Noyes, New Hampshire State Police Commander

What’s next

Donovan is expected to be arraigned on charges of reckless driving, evading arrest, and resisting arrest. Prosecutors may also seek to have his bail revoked on previous charges he was out on.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for strong coordination between law enforcement agencies to safely apprehend suspects who refuse to comply with lawful orders. It also raises questions about bail reform policies and whether they allow repeat offenders to continue endangering public safety.