KEENE, NH – Police in Jaffrey have released further information regarding a motor vehicle accident last month that involved two police cruisers.

In a follow-up on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, Jaffrey Police Chief Todd Muilenberg said that the Rindge Police Department stepped in to conduct an external investigation and completed the State accident report to ensure the legitimacy of the findings.

The crash occurred on August 18th shortly before 12:30 AM where Officer Igor Celzner was traveling westbound on Turnpike Road near Grove Street when he observed a vehicle heading toward him eastbound going 44 in a 30 mile per hour zone.

Celzner pulled into the parking lot at 81 Turnpike Road to turn around and performed a wide U-turn then turned back onto Turnpike Road. The summary of the incident says he was focused on the speeding vehicle and failed to see the second JPD cruiser, operated by Officer Brianna Rogers that was traveling westbound on Turnpike Road, causing a collision.

Both officers sustained minor injuries but both cruisers were significantly damaged, and Muilenberg said an insurance adjuster deemed them both totaled.

The Rindge Police Department’s investigation concluded that Celzner failed to yield to the right of way to another motor vehicle and was at fault for the accident.

The Jaffrey Police Department completed an internal Supervisor’s Accident Report and also concluded that Celzner was at fault. Muilenberg said that Celzner accepted full responsibility and was counselled and disciplined in accordance with their policies and procedures. He is also required to attend an Advanced Drivers Course.

Muilenberg said his first concern in this situation was for the physical welfare of his officers, then for the condition of the cruisers, which are in the process of being replaced.

Anyone with further questions or concerns can message the Jaffrey Police Department on Facebook, email Chief Muilenberg at TMuilenberg@townofjaffrey.com, or call the department at 603-532-7865.