Drunk Driver Assaults Massachusetts Trooper: Police

NEW BEDFORD, MA — A Massachusetts man was arrested Saturday morning after police said he drove drunk, nearly hit a state trooper then attacked the trooper when he was pulled over. Diego Panjoj, 37, of New Bedford, faces a host of charges.

Police said the incident happened in New Bedford on Ashley Boulevard at about 1:20 a.m.

"Trooper Joshua Pacheco ... observed a 1997 Dodge Neon traveling in the opposite direction towards his cruiser," state police said in a statement. "The Neon had traveled over the center lane markings and narrowly missed striking the cruiser as it passed by."

Panjoj, who police said was unlicensed to drive and had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, pulled into a residential driveway then allegedly lunged at Pacheco when he approached the vehicle.

"Trooper Pacheco was able to fend off this initial assault and proceeded to attempt to place the man in custody," police added. "After a significant struggle with this resistant and combative man, the trooper was eventually able to place him in custody."

Panjoj was transported to Saint Luke's Hospital for minor injuries, police said. The trooper was not hurt.

Panjoj was charged with:

• Drunk driving
• Negligent driving
• Possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle
• Assaulting a police officer
• Resisting arrest
• Unlicensed driving
• Lane violation

Panjoj was held without bail pending an arraignment Monday in New Bedford District Court. At the time of his arrest, he had warrants for resisting arrest, failure to stop for police and unlicensed driving.

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