Troopers Arrest Wrong-Way Driver Arrested in Salem

Salem, New Hampshire – On February 11, 2023, at approximately 5:15 AM, State Police received reports of a gray sedan traveling the wrong way on Interstate 93 in Salem. Multiple reports from motorists indicated that a vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes from the state line in Salem.

Troopers from the Troop B Barracks in Bedford were clearing from another crash in the Salem area at the time these initial reports were received. Trooper Ryan Harkonen located the vehicle from the northbound side of the Interstate and drove parallel to it providing periodic updates allowing Trooper Riley LaCriox to get into position north of the vehicle’s path and attempt to stop it.

Trooper LaCroix was able to get into position where he conducted a rolling roadblock to slow oncoming southbound traffic.  As Trooper Harkonen monitored the vehicle from the northbound side, the vehicle came to a stop in the area of mile marker 6.4. Trooper Harkonen stopped his cruiser, ran across the median, and was able to apprehend the driver from the car on foot.

The driver was identified as Wigberto Maldonaldo, age 35, of Lawrence, MA. Maldonaldo is facing charges of Reckless Conduct, Driving while Intoxicated, and Reckless Driving.

Anyone with information pertaining to the incident is asked to contact Trooper Riley LaCroix at (603) 223-4381 or Riley.J.LaCroix@dos.nh.gov.