Tractor-Trailer Driver Arrested For DUI After I-95 Crash

NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. – Early this morning, Friday, March 29, 2024, at approximately 1:40 a.m., State Troopers assigned to the Troop A barracks found a full-size tractor-trailer stuck in a muddy area of the center median on Interstate 95 in the town of North Hampton.

A preliminary investigation at the scene determined that a fully loaded tractor-trailer, operated by Nathaniel Ray, 46, of Lisbon Falls, Maine, had been traveling southbound on the interstate when, for reasons that remain under investigation, he lost control of the tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer departed the left side of the road and traveled into the center median. The tractor-trailer continued south in the center median for approximately 500 feet before it struck delineator posts and came to a stop after becoming stuck in deep mud. A substantial amount of debris was also sent onto the travel lanes of the interstate as a result of the crash.

While on scene, Troopers noted that Ray displayed signs of impairment, and subsequently arrested him for driving under the influence. As a result of the investigation, Ray was also charged with felony reckless conduct, aggravated driving under the influence and criminal mischief. Ray was processed at the Hampton Police Department and released on personal recognizance with a notice to appear April 18, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the 10th Circuit Court, District Division, in Hampton. However, based on his level of impairment, Ray was temporarily held in protective custody at the Rockingham County House of Corrections. 

Based on the circumstances, Trooper Matthew Bailey, of Troop G, responded to the scene and conducted a motor carrier inspection. As a result of the inspection, Ray was also cited with multiple commercial motor vehicle violations. While State Troopers investigated the scene and emergency personnel worked to facilitate the removal of the involved tractor-trailer, along with the associated debris, two southbound travel lanes of Interstate 95 were closed for approximately two and a half hours. Other agencies assisting the New Hampshire State Police at the scene included the Hampton Police Department, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and National Wrecker Service.

All aspects of the incident remain under further investigation by Trooper Jacob Benjamin and Trooper Patrick Vetter. Anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact Trooper Benjamin via email at Jacob.A.Benjamin@DOS.NH.GOV  or Trooper Vetter at Patrick.R.Vetter@DOS.NH.GOV.