PRESS RELEASE

2 DUI crashes in 2 hours

On Thursday, February 02, 2017 at 1:15am the Pelham Police and Pelham Fire departments responded to a 911 call reporting a 2 car crash by the intersection of Rt. 38 and Youngs Crossing Road.  The caller reported the driver of a black Honda Civic was trapped in her car with a young child.  Pelham first responders arrived minutes later and found that no one was trapped and there were no injuries. 

Mackenzie Shea, 24 years old, of Salem, NH was driving a black 2007 Honda Civic coupe north on Rt. 38 with a one year old child passenger.  David O’Connor, 24 years old, of Pelham NH was also driving north on Rt. 38 in a red 2004 Hyundai Sonata sedan.  Officer Kasiske’s investigation revealed that Shea was on her cell phone and caused the crash by rear ending the Hyundai.  The crash caused extensive damage to the front of the Honda and the rear of the Hyundai.  The force of the collision spun Shea’s Honda into a ditch on the opposite side of the road.  The one year old child was properly secured in a child safety seat and was not injured.  Both cars were towed from the scene.

Ofc. Kasiske observed indicators of impairment as he spoke with Shea.  She was arrested for Driving Under the Influence at the conclusion of the investigation.  Pelham Fire Dept. personnel remained on scene and comforted the baby until a family member arrived and took custody of her.  Shea was charged with DUI, Aggravated DUI, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Speeding and a Hands Free violation.  She is scheduled to be arraigned at Salem District Court on February 10, 2017.

            Pelham Police responded to a second crash at 239 Mammoth Rd. with the Pelham and Hudson Fire Departments at 3:23am.  Officers arrived on scene and found a white 2011 Honda Accord crashed into a utility pole, perpendicular to the road.  John Palmer, 29 years old, of Dracut, MA was still in the driver’s seat and claimed to be uninjured.  The Accord sustained extensive front end damage and was towed from the scene.  The crash knocked out power to houses on Mammoth Rd. north of number 239.  Utility crews will be on scene working to repair the damaged pole throughout the day.

Master Patrol Officer Locke investigated the single vehicle crash and determined that Palmer was intoxicated.  He was arrested for DUI as well as Possession and Transportation of Drugs.  Palmer was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center by Hudson Ambulance as a precaution.  He is also scheduled to be arraigned on February 10, 2017.

Please direct any questions to Sergeants Matt Keenliside or Brian Barbato at (603) 635-2411.

Alert sent on 02/02/2017 at 7:55AM EST

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