Massachusetts State Trooper assaulted by suspected drunk driver in New Bedford

June 2, 2018 12:24 pm

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

NEW BEDFORD, MA (WLNE) – A Massachusetts State Police Trooper was assaulted by a suspected drunk driver during a traffic stop early Saturday morning.

The trooper was on patrol on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford when he observed a vehicle traveling over the center lane markings, nearly striking his cruiser.

The Trooper followed the vehicle and stopped it on Ashley Avenue in a residential driveway.

Massachusetts State Police say the operator of the vehicle was observed making suspicious movements inside the vehicle and refused to show his hands upon command. The trooper believed the operator to be intoxicated.

While the trooper attempted to communicate with the operator, the man exited the vehicle abruptly and assaulted him.

Following a significant struggle with the resistant and combative operator, the trooper was able to place him in custody.

The operator, identified as Diego Tiniguar Panjoj, 37, of New Bedford, was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital for minor injuries sustained in the struggle.

Panjoj was then transported to State Police Barracks in Dartmouth and charged with the following offenses:

OUI Liquor
Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
Resisting Arrest
Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Marked Lanes Violation

Massachusetts State Police said Panjoj also had an outstanding warrant for resisting arrest, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop for Police.

Panjoj will be held without bail pending his arraignment in New Bedford District Court on Monday.