New Hampshire Authorities Investigate Wrong-Way Collision on Route 101

New Hampshire State Police have arrested a 21-year-old Dover resident following a wrong-way collision on Route 101 that resulted in a head-on crash with a law enforcement vehicle. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, has led to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges against the driver and her passenger.

Incident Overview and Police Response

Authorities received multiple reports beginning at approximately 1:47 a.m. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, regarding a Nissan Kicks traveling east in the westbound lanes of Route 101 in Exeter. In an effort to prevent further danger to the public, Trooper Shane McClure positioned his fully-marked cruiser in the path of the oncoming vehicle, successfully intercepting the Nissan between Exits 8 and 9.

Following the collision, medical personnel evaluated all parties involved. State police confirmed that Trooper McClure, the driver, and her passenger did not sustain any significant injuries.

Legal Charges and Status

The driver, identified as Cassandra Aldecoa, faces a series of serious charges, including:

• Felony charges: Reckless conduct, second-degree assault, and criminal mischief.
• Misdemeanor charges: Aggravated driving under the influence and driving under the influence.

The passenger in the vehicle, 21-year-old Zachary Lapierre of Lebanon, Maine, also faces misdemeanor charges, including disorderly conduct, contempt, and violating conditions of release.

Key Takeaways

• Safety Intervention: New Hampshire State Police utilized a cruiser to intercept a wrong-way driver, a tactic employed to mitigate broader risks to motorists.
• Legal Consequences: The incident has resulted in both felony and misdemeanor charges for the occupants of the vehicle.
• Status of Involved Parties: Despite the nature of the head-on collision, no major injuries were reported among the trooper or the civilians involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges is the driver facing?

Cassandra Aldecoa is facing felony counts of reckless conduct, second-degree assault, and criminal mischief, alongside misdemeanor charges for driving under the influence and aggravated driving under the influence.

Were there any injuries reported in the crash?

According to state police, medical personnel evaluated all individuals involved in the crash—including Trooper Shane McClure, Cassandra Aldecoa, and Zachary Lapierre—and determined that none of the parties suffered significant injuries.

What is the status of the passenger?

Zachary Lapierre, the passenger in the vehicle, is facing misdemeanor charges including disorderly conduct, contempt, and violating conditions of release.

This report is based on information provided by the New Hampshire State Police regarding the events of May 17, 2026. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.