By Tiffany Williams –
SALEM, NH — A Massachusetts man is facing serious criminal charges after a late-night, high-speed chase on Interstate 93 that zigzagged across exits, crossed intersections, and only ended when the suspect’s SUV ran out of gas.
Just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Trooper Alex Guilbeault of the New Hampshire State Police Troop B spotted a white 2025 BMW X2 flying northbound on I-93 in Windham. When the trooper tried to stop the vehicle, the driver hit the gas instead, triggering a dangerous pursuit.
The driver exited I-93 northbound at Exit 4 in Londonderry, then doubled back onto the highway heading south, continuing at high speed. While racing southbound, the BMW took off-ramps at Exit 3 and Exit 2, crossed intersections, and repeatedly reentered I-93, creating an escalating risk to anyone on the road.
The chase finally came to an abrupt halt near mile marker 1.8 on I-93 southbound in Salem when the BMW ran out of gas. Troopers took the driver and two other occupants into custody without further incident.
The driver was identified as Rafy Villa, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Villa was charged with felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, misdemeanor disobeying an officer, and multiple violations, including driving after suspension.
He was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned in Salem District Court on Feb. 19. The BMW was seized pending further investigation.
The two other occupants were released without charges. Troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Salem Police Department.