×
×
homepage logo
LOGIN
SUBSCRIBE

Police: Video chat may have caused Pelham crash

By Dean Shalhoup - Senior Staff Writer | Jun 26, 2018

Pelham police photo The Jeep driven by Megan Lemay, 20, of Pelham lies on its side off the road after Lemay lost control and crashed early Sunday morning. She was unhurt but faces charges.

PELHAM – Megan Lemay, the 20-year-old driver whose Jeep crashed and rolled over on Simpson Road early Sunday, may have been carrying on a videophone conversation when she lost control of the vehicle, police said.

Lemay emerged uninjured from the 2 a.m. Sunday crash, during which her 2013 Wrangler left the road, struck a rock wall and came to a rest on its side on the front lawn of 33 Simpson Road, police said.

But while officer Mark Riddinger was conducting his initial investigation, police said he found Lemay’s mobile phone inside the Jeep – and noticed “it was still open to a FaceTime call.”

Along with her phone, police said Riddinger found a quantity of prescription drugs, which they allege Lemay was transporting illegally.

And when speaking with Lemay, police said Riddinger “observed indicators of impairment,” which led to a charge of driving under the influence.

In all, Lemay was charged with one count each of aggravated driving under the influence; possession of prescription drugs; and prohibited use of mobile electronic devices while driving, also known as a violation of the state’s “hands-free” law.

Police said officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel were called to the scene shortly after 2 a.m. Medics evaluated Lemay, who refused further medical treatment.

It was determined that Lemay was driving east on Simpson Road toward state Route 111A, and at a curve in the road “failed to remain in her lane,” police said.

Lemay was transported to police headquarters for booking, and later released “to a sober adult” on $2,000 personal recognizance bail pending arraignment, which police said is scheduled for July 9 at Salem district court.

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-1256, dshalhoup@nashua telegraph.com or @Telegraph_DeanS.