Accident under the influence of alcohol leads to drug trafficking charges in Merrimack

MERRIMACK, NH – A Merrimack man was arrested on numerous charges following a crash near Bedford Road and Daniel Webster Highway Thursday night.

Around 8 p.m., police were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash with injuries. One of the drivers, Thomas Bemis, 35, of Merrimack, was accused of showing “signs of impairment,” according to a police statement on Facebook. He was arrested after a breathalyzer test.

“During the course of the investigation,” a report states, “officers also found a large quantity of a controlled drug near the vehicle in which Bemis was traveling.”

Bemis was arrested for driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, tampering with evidence, both felonies, and violating the open liquor ban. He was transported to police headquarters, arraigned, and released on bond. Bemis is scheduled to appear in Merrimack District Court on October 8.

Bemis was charged with prohibited conduct in March 2017 following an incident in Manchester, according to Superior Court records. In August of that year, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and received a 12-month prison sentence and a $434 fine, all suspended for two years. In May 2018, he pleaded guilty to probation violation and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, 173 days served, and probation.

Three months later, he was arrested again in Manchester for driving under the influence, illegal possession of controlled drugs and reckless conduct. A year later, he pleaded guilty to reckless conduct and was fined $620.

In March 2019, Bemis was arrested again for driving under the influence and drug possession in Gilford. About two years later, he pleaded guilty and received another 12-month suspended sentence and a $620 fine. Bemis' driver's license was also suspended for nine months.