Exeter, NH (May 19, 2026) – A 21-year-old woman is facing multiple charges after a wrong-way crash involving a state police cruiser early Sunday morning on Rte 101 in Exeter.
According to reports, the incident happened around 1:45 a.m. when Cassandra Aldecoa of Dover was driving east in the westbound lanes between Exit 8 and Exit 9. Officials said a state trooper responding to reports of the wrong-way driver encountered the vehicle while traveling westbound.
Authorities stated the trooper positioned his marked patrol vehicle in the path of the approaching Nissan Kicks in an effort to prevent a larger tragedy involving other motorists. The Nissan then collided with the cruiser.
Following the crash, Aldecoa was arrested and charged with several offenses, including felony reckless conduct, second-degree assault, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, and aggravated DUI. A passenger in the Nissan, identified as 21-year-old Zachary Lapierre of Lebanon, Maine, also faces misdemeanor charges.
Officials said all three people involved were evaluated by medical personnel and did not suffer significant injuries.
The incident remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as the case proceeds through the court system. We are thinking of those affected as the investigation continues.
Why Wrong-Way Highway Incidents Are Treated as High-Risk Emergencies
Wrong-way driving incidents on highways are considered especially dangerous because vehicles may approach each other at high combined speeds. Even a brief period of wrong-way travel can place multiple drivers at risk of serious head-on collisions.
Investigators reviewing these incidents often examine traffic camera footage, roadway entry points, and driver behavior leading up to the crash. Officers may also review impairment indicators, witness statements, and vehicle positioning to determine how the driver entered the highway in the wrong direction.
Law enforcement responses to wrong-way incidents are often rapid because traffic density and limited reaction time can quickly increase the danger to other motorists. Highway barriers, lighting conditions, and lane configurations may also be reviewed as part of the investigation.
