Motor Vehicle Crash Involving a State Police Cruiser, Interstate 93, New Hampton

On Saturday, February 8, 2020 at approximately 10:25 AM, Trooper Kevin Raymond of the New Hampshire State Police Troop-G Barracks had just arrived on scene to assist another Trooper with a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 93 southbound in the Town of New Hampton. His cruiser, a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, was parked in the right hand breakdown lane with his emergency lights activated. Shortly after arriving on scene Trooper Raymond was in the process of retrieving some emergency gear from his rear seat. His attention was drawn to the sound of screeching tires as he observed a vehicle heading right for him and his cruiser.

Having only a second or two to react Trooper Raymond jumped onto the cruiser running board as a vehicle sped by hitting the rear driver side door. This vehicle continued down the road for a distance before coming to final rest in the center median. This vehicle was a 2005 Toyota Camry operated Eric Jenness, age 33 of Plymouth, NH.

Jenness told the investigating Troopers that he had momentarily look down at his cell phone and when he looked back up he was heading for the cruiser and could not avoid crashing into to it. Trooper Raymond did not appear to have suffered any injuries in the crash. Jenness was evaluated on scene for minor injuries however he was not transported for any follow up treatment.

Initial investigation revealed that the 2005 Toyota Camry, operated by E. Jenness was traveling southbound on Interstate 93 in the right hand travel lane. The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe marked State Police cruiser was parked in the right hand breakdown lane assisting with another crash. The operator of the Toyota Camry was distracted by his cell phone and had crashed into the parked State Police Cruiser. It appears that Jenness was in violation of the "Use of Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving" law and the "Motorist Duties When Approaching Highway Emergencies" (Move Over) law.

As a result of the collision, Interstate 93 northbound in this area was limited to one lane for about an hour and a half as the investigation was conducted. The New Hampshire State Police were assisted on scene by the Ashland Fire and Rescue Department, New Hampton Fire and Rescue Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Anyone that may have further information relating to this collision is encouraged to contact Sergeant Carl Huddleston of the New Hampshire State Police-Troop G at 603-223-8922 or at carl.huddleston@dos.nh.gov.