DANVERS, Mass. -- Patrolman John Melto was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon, two days after being stabbed in the neck and cut on his arms and hands while on duty.
"He's home," Lt. Carole Germano said. "He has had a lot of support from his brother and sister officers."
Melto, 47, was conducting surveillance early Friday morning, seeking a Level 3 sex offender, Roy Limbaugh, who was wanted on a warrant. When Limbaugh showed up, both men got out of their cars and talked briefly, before Limbaugh allegedly attacked Melto with a knife.
Melto radioed for help as Limbaugh took off and managed to get the license plate of his car. State police, alerted by a motorist who saw him driving erratically and covered in blood, arrested him a short time later in Randolph.
Limbaugh pleaded not guilty in Salem District Court on Friday to charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and a series of motor vehicle charges. He is being held at Middleton Jail pending a hearing Friday to determine whether he is too dangerous to be released while awaiting trial.
No further information about Melto's condition was available last night.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
