Wrong Way Driver/Motor Vehicle Collision, Route 101 - Hampton

On Saturday, June 26th, 2021, at approximately 10:24PM, Troopers from the New Hampshire State Police, Troop-A Barracks, responded to a report of a wrong-way driver of Route 101 in the Town of Hampton. Initial reports described the vehicle in question, a 2006 Nissan Murano, as driving aggressively and illegally passing other vehicles in 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. 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.

Upon arrival, responding Troopers located the Nissan resting atop an embankment in a wooded area separating the Route 101/Exit #13 on-ramp and the travel lanes of Route 101 East. Preliminary investigation revealed that the Nissan had driven off the roadway and collided with a cluster of trees. Upon investigating further, Troopers determined that the operator, Brian Smith, age 46, of Amesbury, MA, was the lone occupant in the Nissan. During the course of the investigation, Troopers attempted to determine the extent of Smith’s injuries during which time Smith became combative. Following a brief struggle, Troopers placed Smith into custody.

After being taken into custody, Smith was transported via ambulance to Portsmouth Regional Hospital where it determined that he had not sustained any injuries as a result of the collision. Further investigation led Troopers to the conclusion that Smith was impaired. As a result of this investigation, Smith was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Liquor, Reckless Conduct (Felony), Reckless Driving, and Resisting Arrest or Detention, as well as several traffic violations. Smith was released on personal recognizance bail pending an appearance in Rockingham County Superior Court on a date and time to be determined by the court.

Assisting the New Hampshire State Police, Troop-A Barracks, at the scene of this incident was the Hampton Police Department and the Hampton Fire Department.

This incident remains under investigation by Trooper Geoffrey Miller, of the New Hampshire State Police/Troop-A Barracks. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Trooper Miller via email at Geoffrey.S.Miller@dos.nh.gov.