NH State Police Cruiser Struck While Trooper Assisted Driver During Winter Storm
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
February 20, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media
Londonderry, New Hampshire
A New Hampshire State Police cruiser was struck Friday night on Interstate 93 in Londonderry while a trooper was outside the vehicle assisting at the scene of a crash during the overnight winter storm, authorities said.
Key Points
Date/time: 9:02 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Location: Interstate 93, Londonderry, NH
What happened: Another vehicle lost control and struck a NH State Police cruiser from the rear
Trooper involved: Trooper Matthew Howe (Troop B) was outside his cruiser at the scene of a crash
Driver identified: Marcelo Candido de Oliveira Filho, 22, of Watertown, Massachusetts
Vehicle: 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Cruiser had functional damage; the Jetta was disabled
Charge/court: Summons for reckless driving; appearance scheduled in Derry Circuit Court on Friday, April 3, 2026
Public message included: NHSP urged drivers to slow down and move over when approaching flashing lights
Incident Overview
New Hampshire State Police said the crash occurred at 9:02 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, on Interstate 93 in Londonderry while Trooper Matthew Howe was outside his cruiser at the scene of an earlier crash.
What Investigators Say Happened
Authorities said the driver of another vehicle lost control and crashed into Trooper Howe’s cruiser. Police identified the driver as Marcelo Candido de Oliveira Filho, 22, of Watertown, Massachusetts, and said he was operating a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta.
State Police said the Jetta struck the cruiser from the rear. The cruiser sustained functional damage and the Jetta was disabled, according to the release.
Charges and Court Information
Police said Filho was issued a summons for reckless driving and is scheduled to appear in Derry Circuit Court on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Public Safety Reminder (as stated by NHSP)
The New Hampshire State Police urged drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights ahead, noting the safety of emergency responders and others on the roadside depends on driver attention and prompt action.
Credit: New Hampshire State Police
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