By: Laura Soukkavong
Londonderry, N.H. – On Friday, Feb. 20, at 9:02 p.m., a New Hampshire State Police cruiser operated by Trooper Matthew Howe was struck at the rear.
Trooper Howe was assigned to Troop B and was out of his cruiser assisting at a collision in Londonderry. During this time, another motorist lost control on the snow-covered roadway and collided with the rear of the parked cruiser. The driver of the vehicle that struck Trooper Howe’s cruiser was identified as Marcelo Candido de Oliveira Filho, 22, of Watertown, Massachusetts. Investigators said he was operating a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta when he lost control and struck the cruiser.
Functional damage was sustained on the cruiser, as the Volkswagen Hetta was rendered inoperable. No injuries were reported at this time.
Filho was charged with reckless driving and issued a summons to appear in Derry Circuit Court on Friday, April 3.
Filho is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
New Hampshire State Police would like to remind motorists to reduce speed and move over when approaching emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights. Officials stress that the safety of first responders, highway crews, and stranded drivers depends on motorists exercising caution and attentiveness, especially during hazardous weather conditions.