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ROWLEY — After allegedly fleeing on an ATV, then on foot and then on water before being Tazered, a New Hampshire man now faces 13 charges from two police departments.
Tyler Whitford, 30, of Manchester, N.H., was arraigned in Newburyport District Court Wednesday on charges that included breaking and entering, negligent operation of a recreational vehicle and a boat, failure to stop, and resisting arrest, a statement from Rowley Chief Scott Dumas and Newbury Chief Patricia Fisher said.
The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Sunday when Rowley police received reports of a possible burglary on Stackyard Road, police said.
The statement said that when officers arrived on the scene, they tried to “make contact with the suspect,” who allegedly fled on an ATV toward Nelson Island.
Police followed and saw “Whitford stall the ATV in a large puddle and continue to flee on foot,” police said.
Rowley Police called for backup from Newbury, state police, environmental police, the Department of Fish and Game and the Rowley Harbormaster. The Rowley Fire Department also responded.
Police were searching the Nelson Island area when they received a call from Newbury police “about a man matching Whitford’s description, who had fled from the Newbury Harbormaster,” the statement said.
Police converged on the Riverfront area and saw the suspect allegedly fleeing on foot, police said.
“After ignoring orders to stop, Whitford allegedly attempted to board a boat at the Riverfront, but when officers approached he jumped into the water,” the statement said.
“Whitford boarded a second boat and was able to get the motor started,” it added.
Although he allegedly attempted to drive off, the boat was secured to the dock and the motor was lifted, police said.
“After giving multiple orders to Whitford to stop, officers deployed a Taser. Whitford then jumped into the water once again before surrendering to police,” the statement said.
Whitford was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released into the custody of the Newbury Police Department.
Whitford was charged by Rowley police with:
• Receiving a stolen motor vehicle (two counts)
• Breaking and entering
• OUI drugs on a recreational vehicle
• Negligent operation of a recreational vehicle
• Disorderly conduct
• Failure to stop for police
Whitford was charged by Newbury police with:
• Larceny over $1,200
• Breaking and entering
• Disorderly conduct
• Disturbing the peace
• Resisting arrest
• Negligent operation of a boat
