A young man from Manchester, New Hampshire, is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence and striking two children. The incident has led to severe consequences for the accused, as well as life-threatening injuries for the victims. During a virtual court appearance, additional details emerged regarding the events surrounding the crash, including statements made by the defendant himself.
In a courtroom proceeding held virtually, Justin LaClair, aged 23, faced arraignment on several charges, including aggravated intoxicated driving, reckless behavior, and misconduct following an accident. Authorities report that LaClair admitted to being drunk at the time of the collision but claimed no memory of hitting anyone. Law enforcement officers were alerted to the situation Thursday afternoon when they responded to reports of a vehicle colliding with pedestrians near Lake Avenue and Belmont Street in Manchester.
The victims, an 11-year-old child and an infant, sustained critical injuries that required immediate medical attention. Following the initial impact, police noted that LaClair continued driving until crashing into another car several blocks away, which ultimately led to his arrest. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the situation during Friday's hearing, indicating LaClair would remain detained until a probable cause hearing later this month.
Community safety concerns have been heightened following this tragic event, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of DUI laws. As the legal process unfolds, attention remains focused on the recovery of the injured children and ensuring justice for all parties involved.