NORTHAMPTON — A Florence woman is facing several charges in connection with a Jan. 30 crash that left her and a city police officer with serious injuries.
A criminal complaint was filed Friday in Northampton District Court against Maleaha Aquadro, 25, according to a statement from the Northwestern district attorney’s office. Charges include reckless assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and civil infractions of speeding, among others, spokeswoman Mary Carey stated.
Aquadro is accused of driving at approximately twice the speed limit around 11:30 p.m. Jan. 30 when she veered into the oncoming lane and crashed into the vehicle of Northampton Police Officer Matthew Knowlton.
Police said Knowlton’s radar check clocked Aquadro traveling at more than 70 mph in a 35 mph zone on Rocky Hill Road/Route 66. Knowlton suffered a broken leg, cut himself out of his seat belt and climbed out of his window to aid the other driver, police said.
Aquadro was reported to be in good condition Sunday afternoon at Baystate Medical Center, according to spokesman Keith O’Connor.
Northampton Police Capt. Robert Powers said last week that Knowlton’s injuries were “non-life-threatening injuries but serious.” Knowlton had multiple surgeries, police said, and was released from Baystate Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.
A GoFundMe organized by Northampton Police Officer Josh Wallace had raised more than $12,000 as of Sunday.
The fundraising page states that Knowlton “will require several surgeries and extensive rehab and recovery,” and that the money will help with unforeseen costs like transportation and insurance co-pays.
“His sister is taking him into her home to care for him while he recovers and now has taken on the responsibility of caring for her brother who will need extensive support while he recovers,” the page states.
Police are still investigating the crash, according to Carey.
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.