Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, Route 101 - West Candia

On Sunday, 2 May 2021 at approximately 1:44am, Trooper R. Bifsha of the New Hampshire State Police Troop B barracks, was on patrol in Salem on I-93 when he observed an SUV coming at him, head on, traveling Northbound in the Southbound travel lanes on I-93.

Troopers immediately responded to the area, setting up rolling road blocks, attempting to stop motorists before they encountered the wrong way driver. Troopers attempted to get the wrong way motorist to stop many times, to no avail, as the wrong way driver repeatedly drove at the Troopers and then around them.

Attempts to deflate the vehicle’s tires with spike strips were made several times but were not successful. The vehicle was a 2003 Ford Escape, Color; Blue.

The operator was later identified as Hartenstein, David, 39 YOA, Fitchburg Mass.

At the Route 101 split in Manchester, the Troopers that were shadowing Hartenstein, on the Northbound side of the highway, observed him take the ramp to Route 101West heading Eastbound.

Troopers continued to shadow Hartenstein on the Eastbound side of the highway, as he drove in the wrong direction on the Westbound side of Route 101. Troopers conducted rolling roadblocks where possible and were signaling motorists to stop all along the way.

In the area of mile marker 105.6 in Candia, Troopers observed the Ford suddenly veer off the roadway and into the woods.

A short time later Troopers located the vehicle and Hartenstein was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Troopers were assisted by Raymond Police, Candia Police, Candia Fire Department and the NH DOT.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Tr. P. Sankowich at the New Hampshire State Police – Troop A Barracks at 603-583-3795.