Troopers Arrest Wrong-Way Driver in Salem

Salem, New Hampshire – On February 15, 2023, at approximately 2:45 AM, New Hampshire Troopers received reports from the Massachusetts State Police of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-93 in Methuen, MA.  Soon after the initial call, the vehicle crossed the state line into New Hampshire, continuing to drive the wrong way on I-93.  Additional 911 calls reported that it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling north in the southbound lanes.

Troopers from the Troop B Barracks and officers from the Windham Police Department responded to the area.  The vehicle continued north to the area of Exit 2 in Salem, where it stopped in the left breakdown lane, still facing north.

Troopers and Windham officers located the vehicle moments later.  

The operator was identified as Michelle Valdez, Age: 31, Andover, MA.

Valdez was placed under arrest and charged with Reckless Conduct, DWI, and Reckless Operation.  She will be arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court at a later date.  

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Trooper Bryan Taylor at (603) 223-4381 or Bryan.L.Taylor@dos.nh.gov.