Salem, NH — It was a busy night for Salem police on February 26, 2025, as multiple arrests were made across town, including several DUI-related incidents.
A Truck, a Road Sign, and a High-Speed Escape
Just before midnight, officers responded to South Broadway and Veterans Memorial Parkway after a report of a reckless driver. An off-duty officer saw a truck jump over a median on Veterans Memorial Parkway, knocking down a road sign before speeding away on Route 28. Surveillance cameras near the Circle K on North Broadway captured the vehicle in the area. After searching, officers found the truck parked behind Maddie’s. The driver, 42-year-old Shawn Eric Johansen from Harpswell, Maine, was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.
Arrest at Taco Bell
A little earlier, at 10:57 p.m., police pulled over a vehicle near Taco Bell on South Broadway. The driver, 25-year-old Derek M. Carbone of Matthew Drive in Salem, was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI, second-offense DUI, breach of bail, and resisting arrest. He also had an open container violation. After his arrest, Carbone was taken to the Rockingham County Jail.
Car Crashes Into a Pole on Hampshire Street
Around 9:12 p.m., officers responded to Hampshire Street after a car crashed into a utility pole, knocking down wires. The road was shut down near Sand Hill Road while Liberty Utilities was notified. The driver, 23-year-old Christopher Vega from Salem, was given a field sobriety test and arrested on aggravated DUI (0.16+), DUI, negligent driving, and other alcohol-related charges.
Driver Caught with a Suspended License
At 8:41 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on South Broadway and found that the driver, 34-year-old Yaniris Peralta-Severino from Lawrence, Massachusetts, had a revoked license. She was issued a summons for driving after suspension.
Drug Arrest Near Main Street
At 7:31 p.m., officers pulled over a vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and South Broadway. The driver, 47-year-old Rafael Casiano of Russell Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, was found with illegal drugs and charged with two felony counts of drug possession. After his arrest, Casiano was released on personal recognizance and given a ride to the Red Roof Inn.
Hit-and-Run Suspect Found on a Warrant
Earlier in the day, at 3:12 p.m., police arrested 50-year-old John H. Theuer of Loomis Street in Bedford, Massachusetts, on a conduct after an accident charge. The arrest was based on a warrant, and Theuer was released on personal recognizance.
Drug-Related Arrest in Franklin
At 10:59 a.m., officers arrested 34-year-old Keegan S. Hannagan of Currier Road in Hill on a Salem warrant. He was charged with transporting drugs in a motor vehicle and two felony counts of drug possession. He was later released on personal recognizance.
Warrant Arrests and a Domestic Dispute
A few days earlier, on February 19, at 2:01 p.m., Salem police arrested 49-year-old Sheila Anne Gilman of Fair Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on a warrant from Swanzey. She was also released on personal recognizance.
That same day, at 1:32 p.m., officers were called to Oakridge Avenue after multiple neighbors reported loud yelling. One caller even heard a loud scream, suggesting a possible assault. Police arrived and arrested 23-year-old Ashley Marie Urquiza from Salem Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on a domestic violence-simple assault charge. She was also released on personal recognizance.
Theft and Bench Warrant at Walmart
On February 1, police responded to a shoplifting report at Walmart on North Broadway. Loss prevention officers spotted a man and a woman walking out of the store with stolen items. The pair got into a gray vehicle and drove north on Route 28. Officers stopped the car near Granfanllys and arrested 44-year-old Christopher McGowan from Lexington Avenue in Methuen, Massachusetts. He was charged with willful concealment and driving after revocation or suspension. He also had an outstanding bench warrant from another agency. After his arrest, McGowan was taken to the county jail.
DUI Arrest for a 75-Year-Old Driver
Later that evening, at 5:53 p.m., police received complaints about a driver on South Policy Street and Pelham Road who was “all over the road” and nearly caused several head-on crashes. Officers pulled the driver over and arrested 75-year-old Donald Lee Colby of Crestwood Circle in Salem on a DUI charge. He was later released on personal recognizance.
Salem police had a full plate that night, handling everything from DUIs and drug arrests to hit-and-runs and shoplifting. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but officers continue to urge residents to drive responsibly and report reckless behavior.
