Impaired wrong-way driver stopped while heading north in southbound I-93 high-speed lane

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Vargas

CONCORD, NH – A wrong-way driver was allegedly impaired and transporting drugs when he was arrested early Monday morning, pulled over by State Police who helped avert any accidents with a quick response.

At approximately 12:20 a.m. on March 25 Troopers from the Troop B barracks were dispatched to investigate a report of a wrong-way driver on I-93 in Salem. The wrong-way driver, later identified as Jose Vargas, 30, of Lawrence, Mass., was reported by several motorists to be traveling north in the southbound lanes, from the Massachusetts state line in Salem up to Windham. Passing motorists reported Vargas was operating a dark-colored SUV in the high-speed travel lanes.

Troopers Roger, Chestna and Pierson responded to the area, slowing and stopping motorists as they approached the wrong-way driver. Trooper Roger and Chestna were able to get Vargas to stop in the high speed breakdown lane in Londonderry just South of Exit 4.

The Troopers’ quick thinking and rapid response prevented the vehicle from entering a very dangerous stretch of road that is bordered by Jersey barriers on each side, which would have offered no escape to approaching motorists.

Vargas was subsequently arrested and charged with felony-level reckless conduct; driving while intoxicated; and possession and transportation of narcotics. Vargas was bailed and released and is due in the Rockingham Superior Court to be arraigned on April 12.

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