Nashua Driver Revived After Overdosing, Crashing: Police

PELHAM, NH — A Nashua driver was revived Thursday afternoon after police said he overdosed and crashed his sport utility vehicle. Karl Saunders, 35, was hospitalized and charged with driving under the influence of drugs. The incident happened in Pelham on Route 38 at about 4:30 p.m.

Pelham police Lieutenant Anne Perriello said Saunders was driving north on Route 38 when he started overdosing and lost control of his vehicle, which veered across the opposite lane of traffic, hit an embankment and went airborne. The vehicle landed in the middle of the intersection of Willow Street.

A Good Samaritan who witnessed the crash approached Saunders, who was unconscious, and started CPR, Perriello said. Saunders eventually regained consciousness, she said.

Saunders was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and charged with DUI, drug possession and transporting drugs in a vehicle.

"Traffic was very heavy at that time," Perriello said in a statement. "Thankfully no one else was injured as a result of the crash. Eastbound traffic on Willow Street was detoured through the Willow Street Plaza for approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle was towed from the scene, roadway is now open."

Photo: The scene of a crash in Pelham on Route 38 August 2, 2018. (Credit: Pelham Police Department)