Violation of Protection Order leads to Chase in Saratoga Springs

A New Hampshire man has been arrested in Saratoga Springs after he allegedly ran from police after he attempted to violate an order of protection. 

Robert Richards, 35 of Warren, New Hampshire, was arrested by Saratoga Springs Police on Sept. 20 after he allegedly tried to make contact with someone who had an order of protection against someone at Beer Universe on West Avenue. 

According to Saratoga Springs Police, Richards allegedly tried to make contact with the individual on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred at 3:39 p.m. however Richards was in his vehicle by the time officers arrived and could not be located after he fled the area. 

The second incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. when Richards is alleged to have returned to the store and again attempted to make contact with the individual. This time, officers spotted Richards allegedly fleeing the area and initiated a pursuit. 

The pursuit ended when Richards crashed at the intersection of Route 50 and Northline Road, at which point other agencies arrived to assist Saratoga Spring Police. Despite crashing, Richards attempted to drive away but the vehicle lost a tire. 

The incident ended after officers made contact with Richards by phone for around 15 minutes and convinced him to surrender. Richards was held overnight at the Saratoga Springs Police Department before being arraigned and remanded to the Saratoga Country Jail. 

Richards was charged with felony 1st degree reckless endangerment, two counts of 2nd degree criminal contempt, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving and numerous violations.