30-year-old Bristol County woman charged by Taunton PD after crashing into Dighton Police cruiser

TAUNTON — Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh and Dighton Police Acting Chief George Nichols report that the Taunton Police Department has arrested a woman for alleged impaired driving following a motor vehicle crash involving a Dighton Police cruiser Monday night.

On Monday, just before 9:00 p.m., Taunton Police were dispatched to the area of Winthrop and Burt Streets for the report of a motor vehicle crash involving a police cruiser.

Upon arrival, officers located a Dighton Ford Escape Police Cruiser that had no driver-side door attached and its airbags fully deployed. First responders also located a brown 2014 Honda CRV with significant damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle and airbags deployed.

During the preliminary investigation, Taunton Police learned that the Dighton Police Officer was responding to a traffic stop in Dighton with his blue lights activated. While enroute, the Honda CRV, traveling at a high rate of speed, allegedly crossed over the double yellow line and struck the Dighton Police cruiser.

The Taunton Fire Department, Dighton Fire Department, Rehoboth Police Department, and Brewster Ambulance also responded to the scene.

The Dighton Police Officer was transported via ambulance to an area hospital and has since been treated and released.

The driver and sole occupant of the Honda CRV, later identified as 30-year-old Michelle Sousa of Taunton, was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of injuries.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene. During an inventory of Sousa’s vehicle, officers located a half-empty bottle of liquor on the driver’s side.

Based on observations, speaking with witnesses and the subsequent investigation, officers determined that there was probable cause to charge Sousa with operating under the influence of liquor.

Sousa has been charged with Marked Lanes Violation, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, OUI-Liquor (Resulting in Serious Injury and Negligent Operation), Speeding, and Possession of an Open Alcohol Container in a Motor Vehicle.

Sousa was released from the hospital the following morning and transported to the Taunton Police Station to be booked. She is scheduled to be arraigned today in Taunton District Court.