Abundance of Tips Leads to the Arrest of U.S. Marshal's 'Fugitive of the Week'

Concord, NH – This morning in Salem, NH, “Fugitive of the Week” James Chase, 45, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at a residence on Friendship Drive. Chase was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants issued by both the Rockingham County Superior Court and the Salem Police Department. Rockingham County wanted Chase for failing to appear on a probation violation. Chase had been on probation as part of a sentence for second degree assault by strangulation. The Salem Police Department was seeking Chase on another arrest warrant for assault by strangulation.

Today, as part of this investigation Chase was featured as the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force’s weekly feature known as the “Fugitive of the Week.” The “Fugitive of the Week” is broadcast on WTPL-FM, WMUR-TV, the Union Leader, the Nashua Telegraph and is prominently featured on the internet. This feature caused numerous tipsters to call the U.S. Marshals. These tips, along with the investigative efforts of all of the agencies involved ultimately led investigators to the Friendship Drive address, where Chase was arrested. Chase was transported to the Salem Police Department, where he is being held for processing on these arrest warrants, pending his initial court appearance.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force that assisted in this arrest included; Rockingham & Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Offices, the Salem, Greenfield & Manchester Police Departments, NH Probation and Parole, as well as deputy U.S. Marshals.

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 5,370 arrests. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 7 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.