New Hampshire Police Make 15 Arrests, 516 Traffic Stops in St. Patrick's Day Crackdown

Four suspected drunk drivers were among 15 people arrested as New Hampshire State Police and more than 60 law enforcement agencies fanned out across the state during a St. Patrick's Day enforcement initiative that produced 516 traffic stops and no fatal crashes.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety released the figures on March 18, detailing the scope of the high-visibility operation: 121 speeding citations, 18 distracted driving violations, and 772 total calls for service handled during the effort. Troopers statewide were assigned to patrols focused solely on finding impaired and speeding drivers, with the stated goal of deterring drunk driving during one of the year's busiest drinking holidays.

Five of the 15 arrested individuals were named in the state police release. Matthew Thomas Clough, 31, of Merrimack, faced the most serious DUI charge, including a second-offense count. Jeffrey R. Gelinas, 34, of Manchester, was charged with driving under the influence and speeding more than 20 mph over the limit. Ashley N. Severino, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was charged with driving after suspension and speeding more than 25 mph over the posted limit. Mamoor Hassan Ahmed, 24, of Manchester, was charged with driving with a suspended license and operating an unregistered vehicle. Brendan Michael Doherty, 18, of Concord, faced four separate charges: suspended registration, driving after suspension, driving without a valid license, and following too closely. The remaining 10 arrested individuals were not identified in the release.

The operation was organized through the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police and conducted in partnership with the New Hampshire Highway Safety Commission, following recommendations from the Governor's Highway Task Force. Local departments including Winchester, Dublin, Marlborough, and Alstead were among the more than 60 agencies that participated statewide, giving the crackdown reach well into the Monadnock region and Cheshire County communities familiar to Sullivan County readers along the border.

"The New Hampshire State Police remain committed to enhancing safety for all roadway users and will continue to enforce the state's traffic safety laws," the department said in its release.

Officials indicated the St. Patrick's Day operation was not a one-time effort. Police leaders said similar enforcement initiatives will continue throughout the year as part of an ongoing campaign to reduce crashes and fatalities on New Hampshire roads.