Elderly Portsmouth Driver Killed in Route 16 Crash: NH State Police Report

CONCORD, NH — An elderly Seacoast driver died in a crash that occurred in Milton early Friday morning, according to New Hampshire State Police. The incident took place around 4:30 a.m., when state police received a report of a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lane of Route 16. Shortly after, troopers were dispatched to Mile Marker 32.24 on Route 16, where a collision had occurred between a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2024 Nissan Kicks. Both vehicles were found in opposing breakdown lanes with significant damage.

According to the preliminary investigation, Edward Correia, 77, of Portsmouth, was driving the Volkswagen Jetta northbound in the southbound lane when he collided with the Nissan Kicks driven by Jeremiah Coleman, 67, of West Ossipee. This section of the highway does not have physical barriers separating the opposing lanes, and the cause of Correia’s movement into the left of the centerline is still under investigation. It is believed that Correia was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Coleman was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The highway between Exits 17 and 18 was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation and cleanup. Troopers were assisted by members of the Milton police and fire departments, Farmington Police Department, Wakefield police and fire departments, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to contact Trooper Shane McClure at shane.m.mcclure@dos.nh.gov.

During a recent DUI enforcement operation, state police made eight arrests following nearly 100 traffic stops on the Seacoast and the Spaulding Turnpike between August 15 and August 16. In addition to the arrests, 27 citations were issued. Those arrested included:

• Emily E. McCredy, 35, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, for driving under the influence.
• Johnny Marin Cedeno, 28, of Manchester, for driving under the influence.
• Vitor Peixoto, 41, of Hudson, Massachusetts, for operating without a valid license.
• Christopher M. Loomis, 53, of New Durham, for operating without a valid license and failing to obey inspection requirements.
• Travis E. Cline, 45, of Warren, Maine, for transportation of drugs in a motor vehicle, possession of controlled drugs, speeding, and transporting alcoholic beverages (open container).
• Richard A. Rytky, 62, of Warren, Maine, for possession of controlled drugs.
• Chelsea E. Reed, 39, of Warren, Maine, for possession of controlled drugs and transporting alcoholic beverages (open container).
• Nicaury Sanchez Correa, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, for reckless operation.

The operation was funded by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Additional reports from the New Hampshire State Police include various traffic violations and arrests across different areas. These include:

• Reckless operation, driving after revocation or suspension, and open container violations.
• DUI-related charges, including multiple instances of driving under the influence and impaired driving.
• Arrests for possession of controlled substances, operating a vehicle without proper licensing, and other traffic offenses.
• Incidents involving disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and obstructing government administration.

Other notable cases include individuals arrested for child sex abuse images, resisting arrest, and assault. These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain public safety and enforce traffic and criminal laws.

If you have any news tips, please email them to tony.schinella@PasarModern.com. You can also view videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube or Rumble channels. PasarModern.com covers New Hampshire in 190 communities. Follow PasarModern.com on Google Discover for more updates.