Massachusetts Man Arrested On Charges After Route 101 Crash

HAMPTON, NH — A Massachusetts man is facing numerous charges accused of drunken driving and crashing an SUV on Route 101 on Saturday.

According to New Hampshire State Police, troopers received reports around 10:30 p.m. about a wrong-way driver on Route 101 in Hampton. Witnesses claimed a Nissan Murano was driving aggressively and illegally passing other vehicles on the undivided portion of Route 101 West near the Route 1 interchange.

“Witnesses reported that, upon approaching the divided portion of Route 101 in the vicinity of the Towle Farm Road overpass, the Nissan entered Route 101 east traveling in a westerly direction in the eastbound lanes of travel,” Staff Sgt. Keith Walker of Troop A said. “As troopers responded to the area, additional reports indicated that the Nissan had driven off the roadway and had been involved in a collision in a wooded area adjacent to Route 101 east.”

Troopers found the SUV in a wooded area separating the Route 101 and Exit 13 onramp and the travel lanes of Route 101 East. An investigation by troopers reported the Murano drove off the road and collided with a cluster of trees.

Brian Smith, 46, of Amesbury, MA, was accused of being the lone person in the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, while troopers were attempting to determine if he had any injuries, “Smith became combative,” Walker said.

“Following a brief struggle, troopers placed Smith into custody,” he added.

Smith was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital and was medically cleared. However, a further investigation by troopers led them to accuse him of being impaired. He was charged with driving under the influence of liquor, felony reckless conduct, reckless driving, resisting arrest or detention, and several traffic violations. Smith was processed and released on personal recognizance bail and will be arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court at a later date.

Walker said troopers were assisted by Hampton police and firefighters.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Trooper Geoffrey Miller via email at geoffrey.s.miller@dos.nh.gov.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the New Hampshire State Police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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