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The crash happened on Saturday, Jan. 30, when Officer Matthew Knowlton with the Northampton Police Department was patrolling Route 66 by Rocky Hill Road in Northampton.
At around 11:30 p.m., Knowlton observed a vehicle, allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed, toward his cruiser, according to WHDH Boston.
The vehicle allegedly crossed the double yellow lines, entered Knowlton’s lane and smashed into the cruiser.
Knowlton cut himself out of his seatbelt and, with a broken leg, climbed out of his cruiser to help the driver of the other vehicle who had not been wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries.
Charges have been filed against the driver, Maleaha Aquadro, 25, of Florence, including reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, marked lanes violation, and a seatbelt violation.
Knowlton and Aquadro were transported to the hospital for treatment to their injuries.
On Sunday, Feb. 7, Knowlton was released from the hospital and escorted home by a parade of police officers and medical professionals.
"Ofc. Knowlton was released from Baystate Hospital this afternoon!" Northampton Police said in a Facebook post. "He still has a long road to recovery but we are happy he was able to head home.
Thank you to the hospital staff that took care of him and thank you to the law enforcement agencies who showed support to him and helped escort him out!"
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