Officer injured after serious crash in Northampton1

At 11:27pm Saturday night Ofc. Knowlton was on patrol headed west on Rocky Hill Rd (Rt.66).  Ofc. Knowlton observed a vehicle headed eastbound towards him at a high rate of speed and was able to get it on radar going over 70 MPH. This area of Rt.66 is a 35 MPH zone. As the vehicle neared Ofc. Knowlton, it crossed the double yellow lines entering his lane and striking his cruiser as he attempted to avoid the collision.

Ofc. Knowlton, with a broken leg, cut himself out of his seatbelt and climbed out of the driver’s side window to render aid to the other motorist.  The other driver was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries. She had to be extricated from the vehicle.

Both Ofc. Knowlton and the other driver (only occupant) were transported by Northampton Fire Rescue to Baystate Hospital for their injuries.

At this time we are not releasing the name of the other driver and criminal charges are pending.