Belmont Teens Arrested After High-Speed I-95 Police Pursuit in New Hampshire
<>
Jedrey was charged with felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, and misdemeanor offenses including disobeying a police officer and conduct after an accident. He also faced violations related to transporting alcoholic beverages by a minor, unlawful possession, and intoxication, according to the State Police. Nikol Muka, 18, the passenger, was charged with unlawful possession and intoxication. Both were from Belmont, Massachusetts.
The pursuit began at 9:38 p.m. when troopers first attempted to stop the vehicle. After Jedrey exited the highway into Portsmouth, the initial pursuit was paused for public safety. Troopers later located the car and reinitiated the chase, using blocking maneuvers that caused minor damage to their cruisers. The pursuit concluded when assisting troopers deployed tire deflation devices, the State Police reported. No injuries were noted during the incident.
Jedrey was held on preventive detention pending an arraignment in Portsmouth District Court scheduled for August 10, 2026. Muka was released on bail and is set to appear in court on September 28, 2026. The State Police emphasized that troopers were assisted by members of the Portsmouth Police Department during the operation.
The incident underscores the risks of high-speed pursuits, which can escalate quickly and endanger both law enforcement and the public. State Police officials noted that the decision to deploy tire deflation devices was made to ensure public safety, a standard procedure in such scenarios.
According to the NH State Police, the charges against Jedrey and Muka reflect the severity of their actions, including the potential for harm due to reckless driving and alcohol-related violations. The case is under investigation, with troopers urging anyone with information to contact Trooper Patrick Vetter at Patrick.R.Vetter@dos.nh.gov.
The pursuit began shortly after 9:30 p.m. on August 7 when State Trooper Patrick Vetter initiated a traffic stop for the Hyundai Elantra, which was traveling at over 100 mph on I-95. The driver, Jedrey, failed to comply, leading to a chase that spanned multiple exits. Troopers attempted to block the vehicle near Portsmouth but were unable to stop it initially. After reinitiating the pursuit, troopers used tire deflation devices to halt the car, a tactic designed to minimize risk to all parties.
The State Police reported that the vehicle was later located, and Jedrey was taken into custody. Muka, the passenger, was also arrested but released on bail. Both individuals faced charges tied to alcohol possession and reckless driving, with Jedrey facing additional felony counts.
The charges against Jedrey and Muka highlight the legal consequences of reckless driving and underage drinking. The State Police emphasized that the pursuit was handled with a focus on public safety, noting that troopers had to balance the need to apprehend the suspects with the risk of harm to others.
Local authorities in Portsmouth have not issued public comments on the case, but the incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of reckless driving in the region.
The NH State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit. Troopers are reviewing dash-cam footage and other evidence to determine if additional charges are warranted. The case will be presented to a Portsmouth District Court judge during Jedrey’s arraignment on August 10.
Muka’s court appearance on September 28 will allow for further legal proceedings, though the exact nature of the charges against him remains under review. Both defendants are expected to have legal representation, though no attorneys have been publicly identified.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with reckless driving and the measures law enforcement takes to ensure public safety. As the legal process unfolds, the case will be closely monitored by local authorities and the community.