A state trooper escaped injury after a driver lunged at him following a motor vehicle stop in New Bedford early Saturday morning, according to a police.
Trooper Joshua Pacheco was on patrol in the area of Acushnet Avenue when he saw a 1997 Dodge Neon, driven by suspect Diego Tiniguar Panjoj, 37, of New Bedford, driving in the opposite direction, police said.
"The Neon had traveled over the center lane markings and narrowly missed striking the cruiser as it passed by," according to a news release. "The vehicle then sped down the street."
The trooper caught up with the driver as he pulled into a residential driveway. Police said Panjoj declined to show his hands as the trooper questioned him and that the trooper observed he appeared intoxicated. Moments later, the suspect "lunged" at the trooper.
"Trooper Pacheco was able to fend off this initial assault and proceeded to attempt to place the man in custody," Police said. "After a significant struggle with this resistant and combative man, the trooper was eventually able to place him in custody."
Panjoj was taken to Saint Luke's Hospital for treatment of minor injuries during the arrest. The trooper was not injured.
The trooper charged Panjoj with drunken driving, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and a number of traffic related offenses. Panjoj also had an outstanding warrant out of New Bedford District Court for traffic violations and a charge of resisting arrest.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
He was held without bail pending arraignment in New Bedford District Court Monday.
