Deerfield, NH – A Manchester teenager was taken into custody Tuesday night after allegedly fleeing police following a shooting at Hampton Beach, triggering a multi-agency manhunt and a shelter-in-place order for Deerfield residents.
According to the New Hampshire State Police, Troopers from Troop A learned of the shooting around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. A suspect vehicle was spotted shortly afterward traveling westbound on Route 101 in Epping. When officers from Epping Police and State Troopers attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit.
The suspect exited Route 101 at Exit 3, where Auburn Police deployed a tire deflation device. Despite the damage, the vehicle continued briefly along Route 43 before stopping on South Road in Deerfield. Police said the driver fled on foot into nearby woods, leaving behind a juvenile passenger, who was detained.
A shelter-in-place alert was issued for residents while authorities launched a coordinated search. The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and officers from multiple local departments assisted in the effort. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Divaris Ojani Ruiz of Manchester, was located and taken into custody roughly an hour later.
State Police have charged Ruiz with reckless operation and disobeying a police officer. Additional charges related to the initial shooting are being handled by the Hampton Police Department.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly after the arrest. Officials thanked Deerfield residents for their cooperation during the search.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
