BOSTON -- A Nashua, N.H., police officer was taken by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women's Hospital with life-threatening injuries Monday after chasing a fleeing driver, police said.

Local doctors discovered Officer Peter LaRoche had an arterial internal tear, which had already caused a blood clot, police said.

LaRoche suffered his injuries after conducting a routine stop for an invalid inspection sticker Monday afternoon, police said.

Joseph Bissonette, 32, of Nashua, who was identified as the driver, and a passenger got out of the car when LaRoche approached, police said. LaRoche said he spoke to the passenger first.

While speaking with the passenger, Bissonette took off, police said.

LaRoche gave chase, following Bissonette as he scaled a nearby fence, police said. LaRoche caught Bissonette, but the two fell to the opposite side of the fence, and the driver was able to break free from the officer's grasp, police said.

Assisting officers were called to the scene and located Bissonette a short time later. He was arrested without further incident, police said.

LaRoche was sent to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center complaining of a sore shoulder, police said. While he was in the hospital, his pain increased and doctors discovered the arterial tear, police said.

LaRoche was taken to Brigham and Women's by helicopter and was rushed into surgery, police said. LaRoche was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon.

Bissonette has been charged with resisting arrest and operating a motor vehicle while deemed a habitual offender by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles, both felonies, as well as misdemeanor charges of resisting detention and simple assault on a police officer, police said.

Bissonette was arraigned Tuesday morning in Nashua District Court.