Staff reports 4:50 a.m.
Monday, May 18, 2026 4:54 am
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EXETER - A Dover woman and a Lebanon, Maine, man are facing multiple charges after driving the wrong way on Route 101 before colliding with a New Hampshire State Trooper.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as Cassandra Aldecoa, 21, of Dover, was arrested on felony counts of reckless conduct, second-degree assault and criminal mischief, as well as misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence. A passenger in the Nissan, Zachary Lapierre, 21, of Lebanon, was charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, contempt, and violating conditions of release.
The incident unfolded Sunday around 1:45 a.m. after State Police received multiple calls regarding a wrong-way driver on Route 101 in Exeter. Callers reported that a vehicle, later identified as a 2019 Nissan Kicks, was driving east in the westbound lanes.
While responding along with other personnel, Trooper Shane McClure, traveling west, encountered the Nissan between Exit 8 and Exit 9, according to a Sunday. Knowing that he had passed multiple other vehicles while searching for the wrong-way driver, he knew there were many other motorists in danger. He then placed his patrol cruiser in the path of the wrong-way driver, which was then struck by the Nissan.
Aldecoa and Lapierre were both held on preventive detention and are scheduled to be arraigned in Brentwood District Court today at 11 a.m.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Cameron Vetter at Cameron.S.Vetter@DOS.NH.GOV.