MANCHESTER — A Bedford man faces multiple charges including aggravated driving while intoxicated after allegedly driving the wrong way on Interstate 293 and crashing head-on into another vehicle, seriously injuring its driver.
James Defeo, 21, was arrested following the crash that occurred at 2:39 a.m. Thursday near mile marker 1.2 on I-293 northbound, according to New Hampshire State Police.
Troopers had been dispatched at 2:37 a.m. to reports of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near mile marker 2.4.
Two minutes later, they received word of the head-on collision.
Investigators determined Defeo was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck in the wrong direction when he struck a 2012 Kia Optima.
The Kia’s driver, Kyle Sariceno, 34, of Manchester, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
Defeo was uninjured.
Police said impairment appeared to be the primary factor in the crash.
Defeo was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, reckless conduct involving a deadly weapon and vehicular assault.
He refused bail and is scheduled for arraignment Monday in Manchester District Court.
The northbound lanes were closed for about four and a half hours during the investigation and cleanup.
Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Noah Brown at (603) 230-3084.
