The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a motor vehicle collision that took place Thursday morning, involving a Conway police officer and a driver from Madison. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Route 16, near the Hitching Post Motel in the town of Conway, New Hampshire.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies Ugo Pinardi and Anthony Rowe were dispatched to the scene of the crash, where they found that Conway Police Officer Cameron Leavitt had been involved in a collision with a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Ameyla Ingram of Madison. Investigators have pieced together the following events leading up to the crash.
Officer Leavitt was stationed on the southbound side of Route 16, where he was conducting stationary radar enforcement. During his patrol, he observed a northbound vehicle, driven by Ingram, traveling at a high speed. Leavitt activated his blue lights, intending to pull over Ingram’s vehicle for speeding.
However, as Officer Leavitt was preparing to make the stop, he noticed Ingram continuing to travel southbound without slowing down. At first, Leavitt assumed that Ingram was slowing down to allow him to complete his maneuver to pull her over. But instead, Ingram continued driving. As Leavitt attempted to pull out onto Route 16, the two vehicles collided, causing significant damage to both the police cruiser and Ingram’s car. The collision occurred on the driver’s side of the police cruiser and the front of Ingram’s vehicle.
Both Officer Leavitt and Ingram were injured in the crash and were immediately transported to MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway for medical evaluation. At this time, it is unclear the extent of their injuries, but both individuals were reported to be conscious following the accident.
The Conway Police Department’s Chief, Chris Mattei, provided a statement, confirming that while the police cruiser is insured, it remains unclear whether the vehicle can be repaired. Further assessments of the damage are expected to determine the next steps for the cruiser. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of officers in situations like this, where high-speed chases and sudden decisions can lead to unforeseen accidents.
The investigation into the collision remains ongoing. As of now, there is no clear determination of fault or an explanation for why Ingram did not slow down or pull over when she saw the police officer’s blue lights. The officers at the scene are reviewing evidence and gathering statements from witnesses, including any potential footage of the incident from nearby cameras. This will likely provide more clarity into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Carroll County authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. Deputy Ugo Pinardi can be contacted directly at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at (603) 539-2284. The sheriff’s office has emphasized that cooperation from the community could be crucial in understanding the cause of the accident and any factors that contributed to it.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked discussions about road safety, especially in areas where high-speed travel is common, and where law enforcement officers are frequently conducting traffic enforcement. It also raises concerns about the safety protocols followed during routine traffic stops and whether additional precautions should be in place to prevent such accidents.
Local residents have expressed concern over the crash and the potential risks involved in pulling over high-speed drivers. The collision has also prompted conversations regarding how officers are trained to handle situations where drivers fail to slow down or stop when requested, as well as the potential dangers involved in pulling out onto busy highways.
Meanwhile, both the Conway Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office are working to ensure that their officers are supported and receive any necessary medical care following the crash. There have been no reports of other injuries at this time, though the investigation into whether additional factors contributed to the crash continues.
The collision on Route 16 is a reminder of the inherent risks that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. While conducting routine traffic enforcement, officers are often placed in dangerous situations that can quickly escalate, particularly when drivers fail to heed the signals of emergency vehicles.
The department has reassured the public that steps will be taken to ensure officers’ safety during traffic stops, and they are reviewing their current protocols to assess if changes need to be made in response to the incident. This review may lead to updated training or additional resources for officers when conducting traffic enforcement.
In the coming weeks, more information about the cause of the crash and the outcomes of the investigation are expected to be released. As more details are revealed, the community is hoping for answers, and everyone involved in the crash is hoping for a quick and full recovery. The police department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office have extended their gratitude for the support they have received during this time and are continuing to gather all necessary facts to bring the investigation to a conclusion.
The incident serves as a reminder of how unexpected events can unfold on busy roads, highlighting the importance of vigilance, safety, and clear communication between law enforcement and the public. Authorities continue to investigate with the aim of understanding the full circumstances surrounding the crash and ensuring that future accidents like this can be prevented.
The post Ameyla Ingram and Cameron Leavitt Car Accident: Conway police officer injured after Thursday morning crash near Hitching Post Motel first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.