Massachusetts: Driver arrested after striking Auburn police officer
A Worcester man is being held on $100,000 cash bail by Auburn police after the man allegedly struck a police officer Saturday who was attempting to halt the suspect's vehicle.Officer Luis Santos, who police say was struck by a vehicle driven by Matthew Ostrander, 47, of 15 Perry Ave., Worcester, was taken by Auburn Fire Department to UMassMemorial Medical Center - University Campus with non-life-threatening injuries. He was admitted with a head injury, broken right leg and severe left knee injury, according to Police Chief Andrew J. Sluckis Jr.
Chief Sluckis said Millbury police informed Auburn police around 2:40 p.m. Saturday that they were pursuing a Hyundai Sante Fe in connection with a housebreak in Millbury. The SUV fled onto Route 20 from Route 146, heading into Auburn. Officer Santos deployed stop sticks at Washington Street, Route 20, and Millbury Street in an attempt to halt Mr. Ostrander. According to Chief Sluckis, Mr. Ostrander swerved to intentionally strike Officer Santos.
Auburn Police Officer John MacLean spotted Mr. Ostrander's SUV on Southbridge Street, with two deflated tires, and identified the vehicle's driver. Officer MacLean pursued Mr. Ostrander, who was attempting to flee on foot.
Mr. Ostrander allegedly reached into his coat and yelled at Officer MacLean to shoot him.
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Chief Sluckis said that Officer MacLean didn't believe Mr. Ostrander had a gun and holstered his weapon. A struggle ensued and Officer MacLean deployed pepper spray to subdue Mr. Ostrander and place him under arrest.
Mr. Ostrander faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, operating a motor vehicle negligently to cause harm, failure to stop for a police officer, leaving the scene of an accident after injury and assault with intent to murder.
Chief Sluckis said a search warrant for the SUV was being obtained after Mr. Ostrander told police a firearm was in his vehicle.
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