On Monday, July 31st, 2017 at 11:37pm the Pelham Police and Fire Departments responded to an emergency call for a single vehicle crash on Windham Rd. by Brookview Dr.  The caller reported the driver hit a tree and did not want help from the Police or Fire Departments.

Master Patrol Officer Thistle and Officer Vieira arrived quickly.  They found a green 2000 model Infiniti sedan crashed on the northbound shoulder of the road.  The car was on fire and the driver refused the officers’ orders to exit the vehicle.  MPO Thistle and Ofc. Vieira were forced to drag 53 year old Michael Hines of Derry, NH from the driver’s seat of the Infiniti to a position of safety.  Hines told the officers he was a mechanic and attempted to return to the car as it became completely engulfed in flames and the tires exploded.

Pelham Fire Department personnel acted quickly and extinguished the fire before it spread to a utility pole beside the car.  They evaluated Hines and determined he was not injured.  MPO Thistle observed signs of impairment and requested Field Sobriety Tests.  Hines was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs at the conclusion of the roadside investigation.  He refused a blood test requested during the Administrative License Suspension process.

Hines’ car was heavily damaged in the crash.  Windham Rd. was closed to through traffic for approximately 30 minutes as a result of this crash.  Hines was charged with DUI, a Solid Line Violation, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Cocaine and Transporting Drugs in a Motor Vehicle.  He was released on bail and will be arraigned in the Salem District Court on August 14th, 2017. 

The Pelham Police Department would like to take this opportunity to warn drivers to stay off the road while impaired by alcohol or drugs.  Photos are attached to the press release.  Questions can be directed to Sergeant Matt Keenliside or Captain Stephen Toom at (603) 635-2411. 

Alert sent on 08/01/2017 at 8:13AM EDT

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