Dover Driver Charged With DWI After Plummeting Down Embankment

DOVER, NH — An alleged drunk driver is lucky to be alive this morning after reportedly badly navigating an on-ramp, driving over a guardrail, and rolling down an embankment on Route 16, according to New Hampshire State Police. Jesse Blais, 39, of Dover, was arrested on March 23, 2018, and charged with driving while intoxicated. At just before 7 a.m. this morning, state troopers were sent to a report of a crash at Exit 9, on the southbound side of the highway, according to Lt. John Hennessey of Troop A.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from info supplied by the New Hampshire State Police. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for New Hampshire’s Patch police reports.

“The 2009 Hyundai Tucson had traveled over the guardrail and plummeted down an embankment, approximately 65 feet into the woods,” Hennessey reported. “Dover Fire Rescue was able to extricate the operator.”

Blais sustained minor injuries in the collision and was transported to Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover, and later, arrested.

“Based upon the initial on-scene investigation, it appears that the Hyundai Tucson was entering Exit 9 southbound when Blais failed to negotiate the corner, traveled up the snowbank, and plummeted down the embankment,” he stated. “At this time it appears that alcohol is a factor in this crash, however all aspects remain under investigation.”

NHSP were assisted on scene by members of the Dover Fire and Rescue, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and National Wrecker Service. Due to the collision, traffic was impacted in the area of Exit 9 for approximately two hours, Hennessey noted.

Anyone that may have further information related to this collision or who witnessed it is encouraged to contact Trooper Christopher Pieniazek at 603-223-8490 or by email at Christopher.Pieniazek@dos.nh.gov.

Image via NHSP.