Dominick Howard, 20, of East Wareham, Mass., was arrested following a five-hour police pursuit on Sept. 30. Courtesy photo/Merrimack Police Department

MERRIMACK – Dominick Howard, 20, of East Wareham, Mass., was taken into custody following a five-hour police pursuit on Sept. 30.

According to State Police, at approximately 4 a.m., the Lowell, Mass. Police Department indicated that its officers were chasing Howard on Rt. 3 North. Lowell Police also said Howard, who was driving a 2006 Ford Escape, had an active felony warrant in Massachusetts.

As Howard crossed the state line, New Hampshire troopers took over the pursuit at exit 6 on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Nashua. However, Howard still refused to stop and allegedly reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.

When Howard entered Merrimack, troopers deployed a spike strip and disabled his vehicle. Although he was able to continue for a brief time, one of Howard’s tires came off and sent the vehicle off the road.

At that point, troopers took his three passengers into custody. Two of the three passengers were released without charges. The third passenger, a juvenile, has been charged with resisting arrest.

However, Howard had reportedly fled into the woods. Working with the Merrimack Police Department, troopers ultimately located him at approximately 9 a.m. — having chased him for five hours.

Howard has been charged with disobeying a police officer, reckless conduct, resisting arrest, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and being a fugitive from justice.

Howard was scheduled to be arraigned in Merrimack District Court on Oct. 1.

Under state law, if convicted, he could face up to three years in prison and up to $4,100 in fines.