PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Aug. 31 (Nationwide Times) — Wyatt Seely, 17, of Rochester, New Hampshire, faces charges after state police said he fled an attempted traffic stop and drove through a fence at Portsmouth International Airport, where the car struck a tractor and a parked plane.
Seely was taken into custody by New Hampshire State Police and transported to a local hospital for evaluation, police said. No one else was reported injured.
What police say happened
Shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday, a state trooper tried to stop a black 2008 Ford Mustang on Durham Street in Portsmouth. New Hampshire State Police said the vehicle was linked to reported crimes in other local jurisdictions. Police did not identify those incidents or jurisdictions.
The driver allegedly fled. Police said the Mustang was traveling without its headlights when it crashed through a perimeter fence at the airport.
The car then crossed an aircraft parking apron — an area where planes are parked, loaded or serviced — before striking a Kubota tractor and a small, parked aircraft, according to police.
What was damaged
Airport officials said the plane and vehicle were damaged. The Pease Fire Department controlled a fuel leak from the privately owned aircraft, according to information provided by airport and fire officials.
The airport remained open during cleanup. Officials did not provide an estimate of the damage or say whether airport operations were disrupted beyond the cleanup.
What charges does Seely face?
Police say Seely faces charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated, disobeying a police officer, conduct after an accident and reckless driving.
Those are accusations, and the charges have not been proven in court. The available reports do not include a blood-alcohol result, the specific facts supporting the aggravated DWI charge, or a statement from Seely, a defense lawyer or a prosecutor.
Seely’s arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2026, in Portsmouth District Court. An arraignment is an early court proceeding in which a defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea.
The New Hampshire State Police investigation remains ongoing.
