BY SUSAN WARE

In the 12 years that Ken and Carolyn Stiles have lived on the corner of Center Hill road and Route 4, three cars have crashed into their home.

According to Epsom Police Chief Wayne Preve, this time the Stiles escaped serious injury and charges are being brought against the driver, Efrain Perez, 24, of Manchester.

“It is a very dangerous corner and when you combine that with speed, that house is a target,” said Preve, who added that carnival equipment once struck the house on the way to the Deerfield Fair.

At press time, Ken – known locally as Buck – and Carolyn Stiles were unavailable for comment.

According to police reports, at 5 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, Northwood police clocked Perez using radar. He was traveling 96 mph on Route 4. The speed limit on that stretch of road is 45 mph.

Northwood police officer Chris Johnson attempted to stop Perez’s Cadillac Seville, but he refused to
slow down or pull over.

After a 3-mile westbound chase, Perez crossed into the eastbound lane, hit a car in the Stileses’ driveway and then smashed into their home.

The Stileses were reportedly sitting in their living room when Perez’s Cadillac came smashing through the front room’s wall.

After hitting the house, Perez climbed out of the car and ran around to the back of the house, where he fell down an embankment and broke his ankle. Johnson then arrested Perez.

The Northwood Police Department has put together a list of charges against Perez, including driving while intoxicated, disobeying a police officer and operating a motor vehicle after having a license suspended.

According to Preve, Epsom will be charging Perez, but he declined to list the charges until they are served.

“Epsom will follow up with additional charges following Northwood’s report,” said Preve.

Epsom had to wait for the Northwood Police Department’s report as Perez was in handcuffs outside of the vehicle when Epsom police arrived at the scene and Johnson has to act as a witness for Epsom.

“Perez has a considerably long record and there is a very good chance he could see jail time for this,” said Preves.

Perez was released on $25,000 bail and will be arraigned July 9 in Auburn District Court.