2 flee hit-and-run crashes, driver jumps in river to hide from police
Two Massachusetts men were arrested after an incident that began with a hit-and-run crash, and ended with a dangerous dunk in a river.
TROY, NH — Two Massachusetts men were arrested after an incident that began with a hit-and-run crash, and ended with a dangerous dunk in a river.
On December 28 at approximately 2:09 p.m. Trooper First Class John Lucero came upon a multi-vehicle crash on Route 12 in the Town of Troy. During his investigation, he learned that the vehicle that caused the crash had fled from the scene. The Troy Police Department responded and covered the crash while additional Troopers and local units responded to the area to search for the suspect vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, Trooper Lucero located the suspect vehicle, a 2003 GMC Yukon on Marlborough Road in the Town of Troy. The vehicle was evidently disabled due to damage it received in the crash. As Trooper Lucero was arriving, the driver of the vehicle fled the area on foot. TFC Lucero conducted an investigation and subsequently arrested a passenger, identified as Adam Saldana, 56, of Fitchburg, Mass., charged with receiving stolen property.
During the investigation, it was also determined that the suspect vehicle had been involved in another crash earlier in the afternoon in Troy, and had fled the scene.
Meanwhile, State Troopers from Troop C, Cheshire County Deputies and Officers from the Marlborough and Troy Police Departments arrived to assist and attempt to locate the driver. After an extensive search, the driver, Peter Dubey, 49, of Ashby, Mass., was located in the adjacent river. He had submerged himself to avoid detection and due to the length of time in the water, was hypothermic.
Dubey was placed under arrest and transported to the Cheshire Medical Center by ambulance, during which time he became aggressive and combative. Troopers were assisted at the hospital by the Keene Police Department and Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, Dubey is charged with aggravated DUI and felony conduct after an accident. However the investigation is ongoing and further charges may be forthcoming.
The Troy Police Department is handling the crash investigations, while the New Hampshire State Police – Troop C is handling the subsequent criminal aspect. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Trooper First Class John Lucero at (603) 223-8494.
