Crime & Safety

Driver Caught Allegedly Speeding at 97 MPH

The following is based on reports from the Portsmouth Police Department. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

A Portsmouth man was arrested Monday after he was allegedly caught driving at 97 mph, more than 50 mph over the legally allowed speed in the area. 

A officer on patrol first spotted a vehicle traveling north on West Main Road near Hedly Street around 1:15 a.m. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at 97 mph in the 45 mph zone. 

The officer turned the cruiser around and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle immediately pulled over on West Main Road near the Route 24 split. 

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The driver, identified as Michael Porco, 38, of 271 Sprague St., Apt. 3, exited the vehicle and ran towards the industrial plaza. 

As more officers arrived to search for Porco, police received a phone call from a 31-year-old Portsmouth woman, who stated that she woke up and found her vehicle "was gone." Porco allegedly operated the vehicle without the woman's permission. 

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Police soon located Porco hiding behind a brush area on Park Place near the industrial plaza. Officers say they detected a strong aroma of alcohol on Porco. 

He apparently failed a field sobriety test and, after being transported to the police station, allegedly refused to submit to a chemical test. His driver's license was also suspended, police said. 

Porco was arrested and charged with the following: domestic, driving without the consent of the owner; driving under the influence (DUI); reckless driving; obstructing an officer in the execution of duty; driving on a suspended license; and refusal to submit to a chemical test. 


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