Crime & Safety
Derry Trucker Accused Of Seriously Injuring Londonderry Driver
Richard Leiter of Derry faces charges after an accident on Route 102 where ice flew from his truck into a car injuring a driver on Dec. 9.
LONDONDERRY, NH — Londonderry police arrested Derry man Wednesday who they said was involved in an incident where a motorist was seriously injured due to snow and ice coming from his truck striking a car.
Londonderry Police Capt. Patrick Cheetham said Richard Leiter, 60, of Derry turned himself into police when he learned of warrants issued in connection to the incident.
The accident occurred on Dec. 9 around 1:30 p.m. when police say snow and ice allegedly dislodged from a box truck that he was operating on Route 102. The ice and snow struck a Honda Accord operated by Michael Conry, 22, of Londonderry.
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Leiter was charged with vehicular assault and reckless conduct, both misdemeanors, and a negligent driving violation.The Class-A misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to one year in jail. A violation level offense carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine.
"Leiter was released on personal recognizance bail and cooperated with investigating officers both on scene at the crash and by turning himself in voluntarily," Cheetham said.
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Conry suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his face and eyes. He underwent several surgeries both locally and at a Boston hospital to repair the injuries he sustained and to remove numerous pieces of glass from both of his eyes.
Cheetham said Conry wants to share with all drivers: "Please take two minutes to brush off your car or truck. It could literally save a life and it almost took mine."
A reminder from NH State Police of Jessica's Law
265:79-b Negligent Driving. – Whoever upon any way drives a vehicle negligently or causes a vehicle to be driven negligently, as defined in RSA 626:2, II(d), or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of a violation and shall be fined not less than $250 nor more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense.
Leiter will be arraigned in the Derry District Court on Feb. 17, 2021.
