Mass. man arrested after throwing gun while troopers probe I-93 crash

Scene of Massachusetts man's crash and arrest on Friday (NHSP photo)

MANCHESTER - A Massachusetts man involved in a crash on Interstate 93 is facing multiple charges after throwing a firearm while New Hampshire State Troopers were investigating the incident.

The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. on Friday after State Troopers received reports of a black GMC pickup traveling at a high rate of speed and being operated erratically. Minutes later troopers responded to a crash on I-93 North near mile marker 18.4 in Manchester.

Once on scene, Troopers observed the driver of a damaged black 2021 GMC Sierra pickup truck, identified as Michael J. Collins, 48, of Bradford, Mass., acting erratically. According to a release from the Dept. of Safety sent Monday, witnesses reported that before troopers arrived, Collins had thrown an unknown object into the air and over the large wall next to the interstate. Collins then refused repeated commands from troopers to sit on the guardrail and returned toward his vehicle. After multiple verbal orders to stop, Collins picked up a gun and threw it. He then complied and was taken into custody.

Troopers determined that Collins had been traveling northbound on I-93 when he lost control of his pickup, striking the guardrail along the right side of the road. The truck then crossed the interstate and struck another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt.

Collins was transported to an area hospital for an injury related to the crash. After he was medically cleared, he was held without bail pending an arraignment. He faces felony charges of reckless conduct with a motor vehicle, reckless conduct with a firearm, falsifying physical evidence and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. He also faces misdemeanor counts of driving or operating under the influence of drugs or liquor and conduct after an accident.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Matthew Howe at (603) 223-4381 or Matthew.S.Howe@dos.nh.gov.