Driver Strikes North Adams Cruiser Trying To Stop Him

A North Adams police officer escaped injury Wednesday when his parked cruiser was struck head-on by a vehicle that had been fleeing police.

The Berkhire Eagle reports the driver of the suspect vehicle, Jesse Goman, 29, of Massachusetts Avenue, was transported by North Adams Ambulance to North Adams Campus of Berkshire Medical Center with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening, according to North Adams Police Lt. Jason Wood.

About 9:40 a.m., a woman alerted police that she saw a black Ford Mustang that had her license plates attached, police said. Police searched the area near Stop & Shop on State Road unsuccessfully, but then located the vehicle, driven by Goman, on Ashton Avenue.

When Goman noticed he was being followed by police, he allegedly sped north on Ashton Avenue.

Aware that Goman was headed his way, North Adams Police Officer Erik Thomas parked his cruiser in the oncoming lane with his emergency lights activated.

Goman failed to stop in time and struck Thomas' cruiser about 10 a.m. near the railroad crossing. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Police expected to charge Goman with possession of the stolen license plates, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.