Massachusetts man charged after fleeing from police on Route 495, hitting officer with vehicle

A Massachusetts man has been charged after allegedly hitting an officer with his vehicle.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Massachusetts State Police received reports of erratic operation of a yellow Honda Accord on Route 495 south in Methuen.

Troopers located and were eventually able to stop the Accord in the left lane of 495 south in Lowell. The driver, later identified as Eric Duffy, 34, of Barre, refused to comply with Trooper’s instructions. After the driver turned off his engine, he re-started it a few moments later and sped away.

Troopers followed the Honda to the Boston Road exit in Westford, where the suspect exited 495 and pulled into the Haffner’s gas station. The operator exited his vehicle and then quickly turned around and got back in. A Trooper deployed his Taser to prevent the operator from fleeing again, but the deployment was unsuccessful.

Duffy put his car in reverse and backed into a cruiser, then he drove forward, hitting a Trooper who was on foot and causing him to roll onto the Honda’s hood. The Trooper slid off the hood and the operator then sped off again toward Route 495.

Troopers again followed the fleeing suspect onto 495 north and eventually were able to box-in the Honda. The cruiser that pulled in front of the Honda was rear ended by the suspect.

The suspect was removed from the vehicle and fought with Troopers, who were able to take him into custody.

The suspect was transported to Lowell General Hospital for evaluation. A Trooper also was treated at Lowell General for injuries suffered in the struggle with the suspect. The Trooper who was hit at the gas station and rolled onto the hood was treated at Emerson Hospital for minor injuries.

Duffy is charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon; Assault and Battery on a Police Officer; Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle; Leaving the Scene of a Crash that Caused Personal Injury; Leaving the Scene of a Crash that Caused Property Damage; Resisting Arrest; Failure to Stop for Police; Speeding; and Marked Lanes Violation.

Duffy remains hospitalized at this time. Arraignment details have not yet been set.