May 29--OSSIPEE -- A Middleton man was arrested in Ossipee Friday after driving on the wrong side of the Spaulding Turnpike before nearly striking a police vehicle, evading law enforcement and crashing into a traveling motor home.
Matthew McConnell, 27, of Middleton, is charged with driving while intoxicated (second offense), reckless driving, conduct after an accident, disobeying a police officer, driving after revocation or suspension (second offense), transporting alcoholic beverages (open container) and possession of a controlled drug.
Officials did not provide a residential street address for McConnell and did not return calls for comment.
A press release from the Ossipee Police Department reads, an officer at approximately 5:26 p.m. on Friday, May 25, had to take "evasive action" to avoid being struck by McConnell's vehicle, a Honda CRV, which was reportedly traveling southbound in the northbound lane on the Spaulding Turnpike in Ossipee. As the officer signaled for McConnell to pull over, the driver crossed back into the proper southbound lane near Boulder Hill and then struck a northbound motor home.
Police reported both vehicles were damaged but no one was injured.
A press release indicates McConnell was then forced to stop his vehicle at the intersection of the Spaulding Turnpike and Route 171 in Ossipee because he had lost two tires, but the man still continued to resist arrest. He was eventually taken into custody before being transported to Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro at the operator's request after McConnell claimed to have suffered injuries in the crash. He was then transported to Carroll County Jail.
Members of the Carroll County Sheriff's Officer, Ossipee Police and New Hampshire State Police Troop E assisted in the pursuit, collision and arrest.
McConnell is awaiting an arraignment at Third Circuit Court District Division in Ossipee at a time and date yet to be released.
Copyright 2012 - Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H.
