NH Woman Accused Of Drunken Driving, Crashing Into Child Mowing Lawn

HOOKSETT, NH ? A woman from Manchester is facing charges, including a felony, accused of drunken driving into a child mowing a lawn as well as a utility pole on Thursday in Hooksett.

Around 4:45 p.m., police and fire and rescue teams were sent to Martins Ferry Road for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When they arrived, they found a 13-year-old injured. The child was mowing a lawn when they were struck by a vehicle, Sgt. Mike Zappala of the Hooksett Police Department said. The child was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police spoke with the driver, Rebecca Panyanouvong, 37, of Manchester, ?who admitted to drinking alcohol before she drove and showed signs of impairment,? he said. She was accused of refusing to take a standardized field sobriety test and was arrested.

Zappala said the on-scene investigation found Panyanouvong driving east on the road ?when she veered off the roadway to her right? and struck the child.

?Panyanouvong then struck an Eversource pole and continued traveling approximately 50 yards further before coming to a stop,? he said.

Panyanouvong was charged with driving under the influence, felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, and criminal mischief.

?She refused additional tests and was booked, bailed, and released to a sober party on personal recognizance bail,? Zappala said.

Panyanouvongis due in Merrimack County Superior Court on Aug. 25.

The roadway was closed for a number of hours during the investigation.

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