NH State Trooper Injured When Driver Hit Cruiser, Flees Scene

ROCHESTER, NH — On June 15, troopers were conducting aircraft speed enforcement on Route 16 northbound in Rochester. At approximately noon, Sgt. Christopher Storm of the Special Enforcement Unit was parked in the breakdown lane on a motor vehicle stop with his emergency lights activated when his cruiser was struck on the driver’s door by a 2012 black Hyundai Elantra.

This same vehicle had been reported as all over the roadway on Route 16 minutes before crashing into the cruiser, according to police. The vehicle did not stop after striking the cruiser and continued north on Route 16, state police said.

Troopers Chris Ball and Nathan Sleight were able to catch up to the vehicle and stop it at the Rochester tolls. The driver was identified as Brian Theriault, 28, of Northwood. After a roadside investigation, Theriault was arrested.

Storm was transported to Wentworth Douglas Hospital where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

Theriault was processed and bailed from Rochester Police Department on charges of driving while intoxicated-second offense, conduct after an accident, operating after suspension and failure to move over. Theriault is due to be arraigned on Aug. 12 at Rochester Circuit Court.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or the operation of this vehicle prior to the crash is asked to contact Trooper Christopher Ball at 603 223-8891.

The NH State Police Special Enforcement Unit regularly interdicts elevated speed violations and other aggressive driving behaviors. Its members patrol across the state often utilizing the State Police aircraft during commuter traffic periods and holiday travel times with the goal of keeping New Hampshire’s roadways safe for all residents and visitors.