NORTH HAMPTON — A tractor-trailer driver was arrested on multiple charges including driving under the influence early Friday morning after his vehicle veered off Interstate 95 and into a muddy median, according to New Hampshire State Police.
Nathaniel Ray, 46, of Lisbon Falls, Maine, was operating the full-size tractor-trailer southbound when he lost control around 1:40 a.m. The truck traveled approximately 500 feet in the median before striking delineator posts and becoming stuck in deep mud, scattering debris across the interstate lanes.
Troopers responding to the accident observed signs of impairment in Ray’s behavior, leading to his arrest on charges of DUI, felony reckless conduct, aggravated DUI, and criminal mischief.
He was processed at the Hampton Police Department and released on personal recognizance, with a court date set for April 18 at 8 a.m. at the 10th Circuit Court, District Division, in Hampton.
Due to his impairment level, Ray was also held temporarily in protective custody at the Rockingham County House of Corrections.
Trooper Matthew Bailey of Troop G conducted a motor carrier inspection at the scene, resulting in multiple commercial motor vehicle violations for Ray.
The crash investigation and tractor-trailer removal required the closure of two southbound lanes of I-95 for about two and a half hours.
Assisting the State Police were the Hampton Police Department, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and National Wrecker Service.
Investigators Trooper Jacob Benjamin and Trooper Patrick Vetter are continuing the inquiry into the incident.
