Belmont parolee captured after police chase, standoff

DOVER — A Belmont resident on parole for felony sex offenses will be back in court this week after leading police on a chase with a child in the vehicle, ultimately ending in a standoff lasting multiple hours.

Scott E. Newcomb, 55, of Belmont, was charged by State Police in Troop A on Dec. 6 with kidnapping, reckless conduct, and disobeying a police officer, in connection with the standoff and pursuit, according to a release issued by State Police.

Police reportedly received information to be on the lookout for a 2017 Dodge Ram 3500, in connection with an investigation in Belmont. Strafford Police located the truck at 9:42 p.m. on Dec. 6, and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver never stopped, and the pursuit began.

Troopers were notified and responded to take the lead in the chase. Newcomb allegedly traveled through multiple towns, and while in Somersworth, let the child passenger out of the truck, uninjured. The child was taken to a family member by police, as the pursuit continued.

Police used tire deflation devices multiple times before Newcomb stopped on Route 4 in Durham. He allegedly refused to exit the truck, which led to a “prolonged standoff” while troopers negotiated. The road was closed while the incident took place.

Newcomb eventually got out of the truck and was taken into custody. He was later released to the Belmont Police Department in connection with their investigation. Chief Steve Akerstrom was unavailable for a comment about that investigation.

According to the state Department of Safety website, Newcomb was convicted on Sept. 11, 2006, of five felony charges including three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor under 13, one count of sexual assault of a minor under 16, and one count endangering the welfare of a child. He is legally obligated to register in the sex offense registry.

Newcomb is on parole for the 2006 charges until May 29, 2026.

According to a media release from State Police, officers from Belmont, Dover, Durham, Somersworth and Strafford assisted in the arrest. Durham Fire Department and McGregor Memorial EMS also helped “bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”

Newcomb is scheduled to appear in Dover District Court for a hearing about probable cause for his charges at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.