One Arrested for Felony Reckless Conduct

On Thursday, June 19, at approximately 1124 hours, Trooper Craig Gagne of the New Hampshire State Police Special Enforcement Unit was traveling westbound on Route 101 in Candia when he observed a motorcycle on the eastbound side of Route 101 lying on its side after crashing into the median of the interstate. Upon arriving at the crash, he spoke with the injured operator of the motorcycle, a Manchester man.  

Further investigation revealed that a red pickup truck, operated by a male subject, had been eastbound on Route 101 traveling in an aggressive manner as reported by several motorists. The man had moved out of his way to allow him to pass by. The man then pulled back into the left lane behind the truck. The operator of the truck then allegedly sharply applied his brakes (commonly referred to as “brake checking”). This action forced the motorcyclists to take evasive action, which resulted in his losing control of the motorcycle as he left the paved portion of the interstate into the median. Upon entering the median, the motorcycle went down and the rider was thrown from it.  He sustained non-life threatening injuries. The operator of the pickup truck pulled over for a brief moment and then fled the scene prior to State Police arriving. 

A broadcast was disseminated to area police departments with a description of the suspect vehicle. Approximately a half hour later, State Police was notified by Raymond Police that they had the suspect vehicle stopped.  

Troopers responded to the scene and interviewed the driver, identified as

James M. Buchanan, 48, of Fremont.

Buchanan was subsequently arrested for Conduct After an Accident and Felony Reckless Conduct. He was later bailed on $5000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear for his arraignment in the Candia District Court on Aug. 13, at 0800 hours.  

New Hampshire Troopers were assisted on scene by Auburn and Candia Fire Departments, Candia Police Department and Raymond Police Department.   

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to please contact Trooper Gagne at the NH State Police – Special Enforcement Unit at 603-223-4381.