Drunk Driver Sends State Trooper To Hospital In Taunton Crash

TAUNTON, MA — A Massachusetts State Trooper was sent to the hospital after his police cruiser was hit by an impaired driver, officials say.

The Trooper was able to call for help, and multiple officers responded to the scene on Cohannet Street around 10 p.m. Thursday night.

The driver of the car that struck the cruiser, Saul Justa, 44, of Taunton, was arrested at the scene for operating under the influence.

Justa was released on $100 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned Friday in Taunton District Court.

Police say the Trooper was taken to the hospital where he was treated with non-life-threatening injuries, despite the hefty amount of damage his cruiser sustained.

"This incident yet again underscores the dangers of the job but also the immense risk that impaired drivers create on our roads. Our message is simple — drive sober," the State Police Association of Massachusetts said on Facebook.