UPDATE: A Massachusetts man, Adam Krahe, has been charged with multiple felonies following a chaotic series of crashes in Portsmouth and Rye earlier today. The incidents began around 9:30 a.m., leading to significant traffic disruptions and a major police response.
Witnesses reported seeing Krahe’s truck driving erratically, which culminated in a smoking vehicle stopping on Lafayette Road in Rye. Local law enforcement was alerted, and traffic came to a standstill for nearly two hours as police worked to manage the situation. Officers eventually had to break a window to extricate Krahe from the vehicle, as he refused to exit.
No injuries were reported, but the accidents resulted in considerable property damage.
“The collaborative effort among local police departments was crucial in handling this chaotic situation,”
stated Portsmouth Police Lt. Jordan Wells in a statement to WMUR.
Krahe now faces serious charges, including two counts of felony reckless conduct, two counts of felony criminal mischief, two counts of misdemeanor criminal conduct, and a charge related to reckless operation of a vehicle. He is also charged concerning a traffic control device, with authorities from three jurisdictions involved in the case.
After his arrest, Krahe was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was later released on bail. His next court appearance is anticipated in March.
The police response included active participation from the Rye Police Department, along with assistance from Portsmouth Police, New Hampshire State Police, North Hampton Police, and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department. This highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in managing emergencies effectively.
This developing situation underscores the urgent need for road safety and responsible driving. Authorities are urging all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
