Driver crashes into Rochester bus stop, injuring one

ROCHESTER –– A Sunday evening accident left a pedestrian injured after a vehicle crashed into a local bus stop, according to Rochester Police.

At about 8:04 p.m. on Oct. 22, emergency personnel responded to Wakefield Street, near the Rochester Community Center and a McDonald’s restaurant, following reports of a single-car accident.

A black Jeep Grand Cherokee had veered off the road and into a Coast bus stop, striking a man inside the bus stop enclosure.

The driver, identified as 22-year-old Elizabeth Laroche of Strafford, was reportedly traveling south on Wakefield Street when her vehicle left the roadway, crashed into a fence and the bus stop enclosure, and struck 60-year-old Timothy Umling of Rochester.

Upon arrival, first responders found the bus stop enclosure completely destroyed and Umling injured nearby. Umling was conscious and alert but had apparent minor injuries.

He was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for further evaluation. Laroche also sustained minor injuries and was taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

As a precaution, the Strafford County Regional Technical Accident Reconstruction Team was called to assist with the ongoing investigation due to the unknown status of Umling’s injuries.

Following the preliminary investigation, Laroche was arrested for driving under the influence, reckless operation, and use of electronic mobile devices while driving.

She was released on bail and issued a court date for Nov. 30, 2023.