Wrong-way driver hits state trooper’s cruiser head-on in New Hampshire

A 21-year-old New Hampshire woman was arrested after she allegedly drove the wrong way on Route 101 and collided with a responding state trooper’s cruiser.

State police say Cassandra Aldecoa, of Dover, is facing felony charges of reckless conduct, second-degree assault, and criminal mischief, as well as misdemeanor charges of aggravated driving under the influence and driving under the influence.

There were multiple calls to state police around 1:47 a.m. Sunday reporting a Nissan Kicks that was traveling east in the westbound lanes of Route 101 in Exeter.

Trooper Shane McClure was among those to respond, when he encountered the Nissan between Exits 8 and 9. According to state police, McClure made the decision to place his fully-marked state police cruiser in the path of the wrong-way driver in an effort to end the possibility of tragedy to anyone else.

His cruiser was then struck by the Nissan.

Authorities said Hernan Marrero was driving the wrong direction on Route 1 in Lynnfield when he hit Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor.

McClure, Aldecoa, and her passenger, identified as 21-year-old Zachary Lapierre, were all evaluated by medical personnel, and it was determined they did not have any significant injuries.

Lapierre, of Lebanon, Maine, is also facing misdemeanor charges in connection with the crash, including disorderly conduct, contempt, and violating conditions of release. Aldecoa and Lapierre were both held on preventive detention and are scheduled to be arraigned in Brentwood District Court at 11 a.m. Monday. It’s unclear if either one has obtained an attorney.

An investigation is underway, and anyone with information that could assist state police is asked to contact Trooper Cameron Vetter at Cameron.S.Vetter@DOS.NH.GOV.