08/21/2026
Large Police Presence in Exeter and Hampton Areas Following Report of Stolen Vehicle
At approximately 3:59 p.m., the Exeter Police Department was alerted to a report of a reckless operator traveling eastbound on Route 101 and reportedly exiting the highway at Exit 12 in Exeter.
Officers were advised that the suspect vehicle had reportedly been stolen from Atkinson, New Hampshire, earlier in the day.
Within minutes of receiving the call, an Exeter Police officer located the vehicle abandoned on Hampton Road. Witness information indicated that the vehicle had been abandoned only a short time before officers arrived, leading officers to believe there was a high likelihood that the suspect or suspects could still be in the immediate area.
Exeter Police Officer Kennedy and his K9 partner, BoBo, cleared a nearby barn before beginning a canine track. The track ultimately led officers toward the area of Ashbrook Avenue.
As the investigation and search continued, a large police presence was established in the general area, including portions of Exeter and neighboring Hampton, out of an abundance of caution. The Hampton Police Department provided a second K9 team to assist with the search.
The Exeter Police Department also received multiple reports of a suspicious male dressed in black running in the areas of Warner Lane in Hampton and Phinney Lane in Exeter, both of which are in close proximity to where the stolen vehicle was located. The individual was located and identified by police and was determined not to be involved in this incident.
At this time, no suspect has been located or identified. The investigation remains ongoing.
The stolen vehicle was towed to the Exeter Police Department and has since been returned to its rightful owner.
The Exeter Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance during the search:
Kensington Police Department
Hampton Falls Police Department
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
New Hampshire State Police
Hampton Police Department
The Exeter Police Department appreciates the public's cooperation and assistance during the response. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Exeter Police Department.
Questions and comments about this post can be directed to the Exeter Police Department at [email protected]
