Crash Leads to DWI Arrest

Unity, New Hampshire – On January 14, 2023 at approximately 9:18 PM Troopers from the Troop C barracks were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Unity Springs Road in Unity. It was reported that a single vehicle had crashed into a tree and the male operator of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. On arrival, troopers and local officers from the Newport Police Department located a Volkswagen Passat with heavy front-end damage. An investigation revealed that just prior to the crash, the suspect vehicle had passed another vehicle on a double yellow line during poor weather conditions which directly resulted in the vehicle losing control and crashing. Officers and troopers quickly located a set of footprints in the snow and followed them for approximately two miles until they ended in a wooded area on Gilman Pond Road in Unity. Officers illuminated the area and located a male subject who refused to cooperate with identifying himself but eventually was identified as the operator of the vehicle involved. The operator was identified as James Brandt, Age: 54, Acworth, NH.

Brandt was arrested on the following charges:

1. Driving While Intoxicated
2. Conduct After an Accident
3. Reckless Operation
4. Disobeying an Officer

Brandt was bailed and released on personal recognizance bail conditions and scheduled to appear in Newport District Court on February 14, 2023 at 8:30 AM. Troopers were assisted on scene by Newport Police Department and Unity Fire Department.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Trooper Jesse DeAngelis at (603) 223-3814 or Jesse.A.DeAngelis@dos.nh.gov.