Nine separate car crashes over the past weekend killed 10 people across New Hampshire, state officials say. The causes of each crash are currently under investigation by state law enforcement agencies.

In a statement released Tuesday, New Hampshire Department of Safety (NHDS) Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards says the crashes could have been prevented by “better decision making.” He’s asking all residents and visitors to abide by posted speed limits, put their cell phones away, and to not drive under the influence. 

The @NH_OHS is asking all drivers in New Hampshire to rethink their driving habits after nine crashes in four days resulted in 10 deaths.

As of 7/15, 64 lives have been lost in 59 crashes on #NH roads so far in 2024, marking a 10% increase in crash deaths compared to 2023. pic.twitter.com/0SN9RZqxuF

— NH Office of Highway Safety (@nh_ohs) July 16, 2024

“What’s happening on our roads is alarming and has resulted in tragic consequences,” Edwards said in the statement. 

From July 12 to July 15, 10 people died in nine crashes in the state.

Edwards confirmed the fatal crashes took place in Alton, Belmont, Center Conway, Concord, Gilford, Hampton Falls, Jaffrey, and Loudon. 

State Police Colonel Mark Hall says his department and the NHDS will increase their presence on major state arteries and highways. 

“Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone,” Hall said in a statement. He says he encourages drivers to “do their part” in maintaining safe roads.

The NDHS says 64 people were killed by a car crash in New Hampshire this year. A report from the New Hampshire Highway Safety Improvement Program noted a drastic increase in crash-related fatalities in recent years, jumping from 100 in 2019 to 146 in 2022. 

CONCORD, NH — A couple from Concord were arrested last week after a child sexual abuse images investigation in the South End.

On July 10, Concord police and the NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force searched a home on Bow Street across from Rollins Park as part of a multi-month investigation also involving the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Division for Children, Youth, and Families. After the search, Dylan Simms, 27, of Centre Street in Concord was arrested on three felony distribution of child sexual abuse images charges. Also arrested was Meredith Simms, 36, of Bow Street in Concord on a felony count of tampering with witnesses and informants and a hindering apprehension or prosecution charge.

According to court documents, the videos involved a woman sexually assaulting a boy and sexually assaulting a girl, as well as a girl performing gymnastics, without wearing any clothes, in a lewd manner. After the arrests, documents involving the case were sealed due to its disturbing content. The case started after a cyber tip in February, according to police.

Dylan Simms was held on preventative detention and was arraigned Monday in Concord District Court; Meredith Simms was released on personal recognizance.

The criminal history of Dylan Simms dates back about a decade to when he was a homeless teen in the area, according to posts on Patch and court documents.

Those charges include felony criminal mischief, controlled drug: obtain-buy fake drug, possession of amphetamine, receiving stolen property, unsworn falsification, false report to law enforcement, possession of prescription drugs without a script, possession of controlled drugs, unlawful possession of alcohol, and warrant arrests.

According to Meredith Simms’ LinkedIn profile, she is or was employed as a visitor services assistant at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a popular local attraction for children. Jeanne Gerulskis, the executive director of the center, did not return an email seeking information about Meredith Simms’ employment status at post time. According to Meredith Simms’ Facebook page, the couple were married in 2019. She was previously arrested for theft in November 2019 and theft in October 2011 in Concord.

Police, in a Concord Regional Crimeline alert, said the department was continuing to investigate the case and asked anyone with information to contact Det. KristieAnn DeSilvio of the Criminal Investigations Division at 603-225-8600. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100 or online at www.concordregionalcrimeline.com.

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