No bail for wrong-way driver accused of fatally hitting retired Townsend police sergeant, wife

BRENTWOOD, N.H. (WHDH) - A wrong-way driver accused of triggering a three-car crash that killed a retired Townsend police sergeant and his wife in New Hampshire has been ordered held without bail.

Ryan Kittredge, 31, of Derry, New Hampshire, was placed in retired Sgt. John Johnson’s handcuffs as he was taken to Rockingham Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty Friday to negligent homicide and felony reckless conduct charges in connection with the Jan. 10 crash that claimed the lives of Johnson and his wife Heidi.

Just before midnight on Jan. 10, state police said Kittredge made a U-turn on Route 101 west in Epping and slammed into Johnson’s car as they drove home from Maine, where they watched their great niece’s basketball game.

The couple was pronounced dead at the scene and Kittredge was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital after suffering a broken back and hip.

A third driver, 23-year-old Andrew Neeper, of Raymond, New Hampshire, was taken to Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after crashing into Kittredge’s truck following the initial collision.

Prosecutors allege Kittredge was impaired at the time of the crash and said he has two prior drunken driving convictions.

Johnson and his wife have since been laid to rest.

State police said Kittredge may face additional charges pending the outcome of a toxicology report.

He is due back in court at a later date.

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