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CONCORD, NH — Four people were arrested during a New Hampshire State Police saturation patrol in the Bedford area Friday.
State police stopped 101 vehicles while conducting “high visibility patrols to deter and detect impaired drivers,” according to Tyler Dumont, a public information officer for state police. Troopers also focused their directed patrols and enforcement on apprehending “impaired and aggressive drivers” as part of the Office of Highway Safety. The effort is part of a national “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, he said.
Charles Sibanda, 26, of Salem and Mario Coleccia, 33, of Manchester were both arrested on driving while intoxicated charges and open container violations. Nyaja Gilchrist, 20, of Peterborough was arrested on operating after suspension and speeding charges as well as a failure to yield to an emergency vehicle violation. Marissa Anderson, 38, of Boston, Massachusetts, was also arrested on operating after suspension and transporting drugs in a motor vehicle.
“Troopers will continue conducting similar enforcement efforts throughout the state,” Dumont said.
A man from Chicopee, MA, was injured on Wednesday during a motorcycle crash in Dover.
Around 8:45 p.m., troopers were sent to the area of Exit 7 for a motorcycle crash report. When they arrived, they found Yorky Acosta Hernandez, 20, the rider of the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle, had crashed into a guardrail and was thrown from the bike. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Dumont said it was unknown why Hernandez crashed the motorcycle, but it appeared he “lost control while negotiating a curve.”
Assisting at the city were Dover Fire and Rescue teams and Eddie B Towing and Recovery. The Spaulding Turnpike was closed for about an hour.
Trooper Kevin Ledoux of the Troop A barracks is investigating all aspects of the crash. Anyone with information was asked to email him at kevin.p.ledoux@dos.nh.gov.
Travus S. Barnes Credit: NHSP
A man from Winchester faces felony charges after being accused of an inappropriate online relationship with a child.
State police received a report in late July accusing Travus S. Barnes, 47, of using a mobile device and Snapchat to “facilitate inappropriate online sexual contact with a person under 16 years of age,” Dumont said. Barnes is a registered sex offender due to a 2014 sexual assault conviction. State police detectives, assigned to the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated the incident and issued a warrant against Barnes. He was arrested Aug. 13 on endangering the welfare of a child-solicitation of a child to engage in sexual activity and failure to comply with sex offender requirements. He was arraigned in Keene District Court on Wednesday.
“Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet made reports to police,” Dumont said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation was asked to contact Det. Edward Horton at 603-931-0660 or edward.j.horton@dos.nh.gov.
Michael Anthony Francisco, 32, of Peabody, Massachusetts, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2024, on aggravated driving under the influence-30-plus mph and DUI in North Hampton.
Tristan Wyatt Young, 18, of Topsfield, MA, was arrested at 1:10 a.m. on Aug. 4 on a reckless operation charge in Hampton.
Christopher B. Parks, 46, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was arrested at 2:33 p.m. on Aug. 1 on driving after revocation or suspension, operating without a valid license, and disobeying an officer charges as well as an unsworn falsification and emergency vehicles; failure to move right violations in Newington.
Zachary Joseph Castellanos, 21, of Rochester was arrested at 3:31 a.m. on Aug. 1 on aggravated-DUI-collision with serious injury, DUI, and operating without a valid license charges in New Durham.
Thomas Walter Winward, 34, of Derry was arrested on a bench warrant at 2:45 a.m. on July 31 as well as a driving after revocation or suspension charge in Seabrook.
Thomas Higgins, 64, of Rochester was arrested at 6:57 p.m. on July 30 in a felony operating after certified as a habitual offender in Rochester.
Joseph Michael Kavarnos, 29, of Brentwood was arrested at 1:26 a.m. on July 20 on aggravated DUI-30-plus, DUI, DUI-second offense, possession of a controlled drug, controlled premises, speeding-25-plus mph over the 65 limit, and transport drugs in a motor vehicle charges in Exeter.
Jason A. Griffin, 38, of Belmont was arrested at 1:23 a.m. on July 16 on aggravated DUI-30-plus mph and DUI charges in Portsmouth.
Javon Isaiah Griffin, 21, of Manchester was arrested on a reckless operation chargs at 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 4 in Londonderry.
Marcos Isaac Sarmiento Castro, 19, of Manchester was arrested on a bench warrant at 10:57 a.m. on Aug. 4 as well as driving after revocation or suspension charge and unsafe lane change, yellow-solid line, and suspension of vehicle registration violations in Nashua.
Carlos David Mendoza, 29, of Lawrence, MA, was arrested at 2:29 a.m. on Aug. 4 on DUI, speeding-21 to 24 mph over 65 limit, and DUI-adult more than 0.08; minor more than 0.02 charges as well as lane control, yellow-solid line, and traffic control device violations in Londonderry.
Jessica C. Hamel, 33, of Derry was arrested at 1:03 a.m. on Aug. 4 on a DUI charge as well as driving on divided way; crossing a median, lane control, yellow-solid line, and fail to maintain minimum speed violations in Salem.
Mikela Tock, 36, of Rowey, MA, was arrested at 9:23 p.m. on Aug. 3 on a DUI charge in Windham.
Donald E. Jennings, 38, of Merrimack was arrested at 3:44 a.m. on Aug. 3 on a DUI charge as well as lane control, yellow-solid line, and tail lamp and reflectors violations in Merrimack.
Kiya Benoit, 29, of Northbridge, MA, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. on Aug. 3 on a domestic violence-simple assault charge in Windham.
Michael David Gruette, 46, of Center Barnstead was arrested at 11:20 p.m. on Aug. 2 on reckless conduct-deadly weapon, disobeying an officer, reckless operation, negligent driving, and driving after revocation or suspension charges as well as lane control, emergency vehicles; failure to move right, driving on a divided way; crossing a median, traffic control device violation, failure to use required turn signal; yellow-solid line, and stop signs; yield signs violations in Manchester. At 12:13 a.m., he was also charged with speeding-26-plus mph over 55 or less limit, disobeying an officer, reckless conduct, operating with an expired license, two reckless operation, and two reckless conduct-deadly weapon charges as well as misuse of plates and yellow-solid line violations. Also arrested was Joseph G. Cote, 34, of Laconia on a possession; residual amount charge. Read more about this case here: 4 Arrested After Trooper Chase From Concord Through Bow, Dunbarton, Goffstown, And Bedford
Richard John Soltes, 27, of Danvers, MA, was arrested at 2:45 a.m. on Aug. 2 on two reckless conduct charges as well as flammable material and dropping lighted matches violations in Bedford.
Meagan M. Irving, 40, of Strafford was arrested at 2:02 a.m. on Aug. 2 on a DUI charge as well as open container, lane control, and yellow-solid line violations in Manchester.
Christian Scott Yianakopolos, 31, of Manchester was arrested at 4:34 p.m. on Aug. 1 on five domestic violence-simple assault and two criminal threatening charges in Francestown.
Haily Marie Siverhus, 32, of Atkinson was arrested on a DUI charge at 12:57 a.m. on Aug. 1 in Nashua.
Luke Barrett Maczynski, 19, of Middletown, MA, was arrested at 10:59 p.m. on July 31 on speeding-25-plus mph over 65 limit, unlawful possession-intoxication, and transport alcohol by a minor charges as well as an open container violation in Manchester.
Justin T. Simmons, 37, of Seabrook was arrested on a warrant at 3:24 a.m. on July 30 in Windham.
Marc Coels, 31, of Groton, Vermont, was arrested at 9:20 p.m. on July 29 in a DUI charge in Merrimack.
Robert L. Radcliff, 45, of Manchester was arrested on a bench warrant at 2:43 p.m. on July 29 in Manchester.
Paul Joseph Descar, 40, of Manchester was arrested at 2:27 p.m. on July 29 on a bench warrant in Manchester.
Paul A. Pinheiro, 46, of New Hampton was arrested at 8:56 p.m. on Aug. 4 on a DUI charge in Canterbury.
Shane Oryan Chase, 29, of Andover, was arrested at 5:50 p.m. on Aug. 4 on two domestic violence-simple assault charges in Andover.
Voeun S. Oum, 38, of Lynn, MA, was arrested at 6:57 p.m. on Aug. 3 on a felony operating after certification as a habitual offender charge in Hooksett.
Aidan Joseph Sleeper, 21, of Tilton was arrested on a reckless operation in Loudon at 6:02 a.m. on Aug. 2.
Daniel O’Neil, 34, of Warner was arrested without a warrant-domestic violence at 2:34 a.m. on Aug. 2 in Warner.
Nick T. Skidmore, 29, of Northfield was arrested on a DUI charge at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 in Tilton.
Nathan L. Greene, 31, of Laconia was arrested on a bench warrant at 1:26 p.m. on Aug. 1 in Hooksett.
Sherry Lynn Fox, 57, of Laconia was arrested at 1:26 p.m. on Aug. 1 on driving after revocation or suspension and felony drug possession charges in Hooksett.
Brett M. Miller, 29, of Chelmsford, MA, was arrested on a warrant at 10:42 p.m. on July 30 in Sanbornton.
Riley Rebecca Harris, 30, of Manchester was arrested on a warrant and a bench warrant at 12:13 a.m. on July 30 in Manchester.
Juan Morocho-Chimbaina, 33, of Lowell, MA, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. on July 29 on driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, speeding-21 to 24 mph over the 65 limit, obstructing government administration, operating without a valid license, and two driving after revocation or suspension charges in Bow.
Torre S. Walls, 32, of Hooksett was arrested on a warrant at 6:24 p.m. on July 29 in Hooksett as well as driving after revocation or suspension, driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, operating without a valid license, conduct after an accident-death or injury, DUI, and aggravated DUI-collision with serious injury charges and a lane control violation in Hooksett.
Abdou-Karim B. Taal, 26, of Nashua was arrested at 3:10 a.m. on July 29 on aggravated DUI-30-plus mph, DUI, and speeding-25-plus mph over 65 limit charges in Concord.
Rebekah Marie Padua, 28, of Barnstead was arrested at 1:21 a.m. on July 18 on disobeying an officer, reckless conduct, DUI, reckless operation, aggravated DUI-attempt to elude police, and two driving after revocation or suspension charges in Chichester.
Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.
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As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran overtakes the foreign policy debate in Washington, two Democratic governors with potential 2028 presidential aspirations — Gavin Newsom and Andy Beshear — recently traveled to New Hampshire, introducing themselves to the state’s famously engaged voters. The two weighed in on the war and both criticized and questioned President Trump’s strategy and endgame.
“If a president is going to take a country into war, and risk the lives of American troops and Americans in the region, he has to have a real justification and not one that seems to change every five to 10 hours,” Beshear told CBS News after a Democratic fundraiser in Keene.
“This President seems to use force before ever trying diplomacy, and he has a duty to sell it to the American people and to address Congress with it,” Beshear continued. “He hasn’t done any of that. In fact, it appears there isn’t even a plan for what success looks like. He’s gone from regime change to strategic objectives and now is talking about unconditional surrender, which isn’t realistic where he is.”
Beshear also said he thought that Congress should have reined in Mr. Trump’s war powers.
“He is trying to ignore Congress. He’s trying to even ignore the American people,” Beshear said.
He went on to note that the president’s State of the Union address took place “three — four days before he launched this attack,” and Mr. Trump “didn’t even have the respect to tell the American people the threat that he thought Iran posed to us.”
Last week, both the House and the Senate failed to pass resolutions to limit Mr. Trump’s war powers and stop him from taking further military action against Iran without congressional support.
For Newsom, the war with Iran constitutes part of a broader criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At an event last Tuesday in Los Angeles, Newsom had compared Israel to an “apartheid state.” Later, in New Hampshire, he sought to clarify his comment.
“I was specifically referring to a Tom Friedman [New York Times] column last week, where Tom used that word of apartheid as it relates to the direction Bibi is going, particularly on the annexation of the West Bank,” Newsom explained during a book tour event Thursday night in Portsmouth. “I’m very angry, with what he is doing and why he’s doing it, what he’s going to ultimately try to do to the Supreme Court there, what he’s trying to do to save his own political career.”
Friedman wrote that at the same time that the U.S. and Israel are prosecuting a war in Iran, within Israel, Netanyahu’s government has undertaken efforts to annex the West Bank, driving Palestinians from their homes; fire the attorney general who is leading the prosecution against Netanyahu for corruption; and block the government’s attempt to establish a commission to examine the failures that led up to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of Jews by Hamas.
CBS News has reached out to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment.
On Iran, Newsom said, “I’m very angry about this war, with all due respect, you know, not because I’m angry the supreme leader is dead. Quite the contrary. I’m not naive about the last 37 years of his reign. Forty-seven years since ’79 — the revolution,” Newsom said. “But I’m also mindful that you have a president who still is inarticulate and incapable of giving us the rationale of why? Why now? What’s the endgame?”
Many attendees at Newsom’s book event said that the situation in Iran is a top-of-mind issue for them, too. Some said they’re “horrified” by what is happening.
29-year-old Alicia Marr told CBS News she decided to attend Newsom’s event because of his social media response to the war with Iran.
“There was one spot left, and I decided to pick it up, and it was due to his response to the war, that it is just unacceptable, and I would agree with that,” Marr said.
While some voters like Marr are eager to hear about where potential candidates stand on foreign policy, many at Newsom’s event said they care most about how potential candidates plan to address domestic issues.
“I’m more focused on getting the middle class back on track and fighting the oligarchy, and I’m less invested in international issues,” said Anita Alden, who also attended Newsom’s event,
“I wouldn’t call myself America first, but we have so many problems at home that are my priority,” she told CBS News.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who may also be weighing another White House bid, told Fox 2 Detroit last week that she “unequivocally opposes” the Trump administration’s military action in Iran and urged Congress to take action.
“If we want to stop Donald Trump with this random decision that he has arrived at, then Congress must act, and Congress must act immediately. The American people do not want our sons and daughters to go into this unauthorized war of choice,” Harris said.
Mr. Trump has lashed out against Democrats who have pushed back on his Iran strategy, calling them “losers” last week and arguing that they would criticize any decision he made on Iran.
“If I did it, it’s no good. If I didn’t do it, they would have said the opposite, that you should have done this,” the president said.
Local News
A Massachusetts man was arrested late Wednesday night after police say he was driving more than 100 mph on a New Hampshire roadway.
Officers with the Rindge Police Department stopped a vehicle shortly after 11 p.m. on Route 202 near Sears Drive in Rindge following a report of a car traveling at excessive speed, according to a statement from Chief Rachel Malynowski.
The vehicle, a 2020 Kia Stinger, was spotted traveling at 104 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, Malynowski said.
The driver, a 21-year-old man from Attleboro, was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, according to police.
He is scheduled to be arraigned April 5. If convicted, the man faces a fine of at least $750, in addition to the court’s penalty assessment, and a 90-day license suspension, Malynowski said.
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