A police pursuit ended at Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire after a 17-year-old driver allegedly crashed through a perimeter fence. Authorities said the vehicle struck a Kubota tractor and a small, unoccupied plane on the aircraft parking apron. The teenager, identified as Wyatt Seely of Rochester, was found intoxicated after the Saturday night crash. No one else was injured, and the suspect is scheduled to appear in court on September 9, 2026.
The incident began shortly after 8 p.m. when a trooper attempted to stop a black 2008 Ford Mustang on Durham Street in Portsmouth. Police said the vehicle had no lights on and continued toward the nearby airport after the driver allegedly refused to stop.
| 1) | Police pursuit begins in Portsmouth |
| 2) | Vehicle breaches airport perimeter |
| 3) | Aircraft and tractor are struck |
| 4) | Teen faces multiple charges |
| 5) | Emergency agencies respond |
Police pursuit begins in Portsmouth
The pursuit started Saturday evening on Durham Street in Portsmouth as authorities investigated a vehicle reportedly connected to crimes in other local jurisdictions. A state trooper tried to stop the black 2008 Ford Mustang, but police said the driver fled. The vehicle was allegedly traveling without its lights on, increasing the danger as the pursuit moved toward the airport area.
Authorities later identified the driver as Wyatt Seely, 17, from Rochester. Police said he was found intoxicated following the crash and was taken into custody at the scene.
Vehicle breaches airport perimeter
The Mustang allegedly left the public roadway and crashed through the perimeter fence of Portsmouth International Airport shortly after 8 p.m. The vehicle then entered an aircraft parking apron, an area used for parking and servicing planes.
The airport breach created a security and safety incident because the vehicle crossed from a public road into a controlled aviation area. Police described the sequence as the continuation of the attempted traffic stop rather than a separate airport-related event.
The vehicle crashed through a perimeter fence and traveled across an aircraft parking apron, according to a police account of the incident.
Aircraft and tractor are struck
After entering the airport grounds, the Mustang struck a Kubota tractor and a small plane that was parked, stationary and unoccupied, authorities said. The vehicle came to a stop after the collisions.
Officials said no other people were injured. The available account did not specify the extent of damage to the fence, tractor, aircraft or vehicle, and no injuries involving airport personnel or passengers were reported.
Teen faces multiple charges
Police charged Wyatt Seely with misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, disobeying a police officer and conduct after an accident. He also faces a violation-level reckless-driving charge.
After his arrest, Wyatt Seely was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth District Court on September 9, 2026. The charges are allegations, and the court process will determine the outcome.
Emergency agencies respond
State troopers took the teenager into custody, while local police, fire departments and airport emergency personnel assisted at the scene. Portsmouth police and fire officials, Newington police and Pease Fire and Emergency Services were involved in the response.
The cooperation among those agencies addressed the immediate needs of the crash, including the arrest, medical evaluation and safety concerns associated with a vehicle entering an airport operating area. No additional injuries were reported.
| 1 | A 17-year-old driver allegedly fled a traffic stop in Portsmouth. |
| 2 | The vehicle breached Portsmouth International Airport’s perimeter fence. |
| 3 | A Kubota tractor and an unoccupied parked plane were struck. |
| 4 | The suspect was found intoxicated and faces several charges. |
| 5 | No one else was injured in the airport crash. |
Summary
The Portsmouth airport incident followed an alleged attempt to evade a police stop and ended when the Mustang broke through an airport fence. The collision damaged or affected airport property, including a tractor and a parked aircraft, but authorities reported no additional injuries. The teenager was arrested, evaluated at a hospital and referred to Portsmouth District Court, where the allegations will proceed through the legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested after the airport crash?
Wyatt Seely, 17, of Rochester, was arrested after the vehicle allegedly breached the airport perimeter and struck airport equipment and a plane.
What did the vehicle hit?
Police said the black Ford Mustang struck a Kubota tractor and a small, unoccupied, stationary plane after crossing the airport parking apron.
When is the court appearance?
Wyatt Seely is scheduled to be arraigned in Portsmouth District Court on September 9, 2026.
Were there any injuries?
Authorities said no one else was injured. The teenager was taken to an area hospital for evaluation after being detained.
