SALEM, Mass. -- A police officer on Prince Street had to dive for his life after a speeding driver defied orders to stop and allegedly aimed the vehicle right at him.
The suspected driver, William Francisco, 24, of 46 Barr St., Salem, was still at large last night. Police have sought seven charges against him, including assault with a dangerous weapon.
The incident happened at 1:40 a.m. yesterday when three officers patrolling on Prince Street were "drawn to the sound of a racing motor vehicle engine," according to the log. Within moments, a Ford Taurus came into view "traveling at a high rate of speed."
Approaching a stop sign at Dow and Prince streets, police say the vehicle actually accelerated and ran through it.
As it came on toward the officers, Patrolman Roberson Troncoso took a position in the middle of the street while gesturing for the driver to stop. By this time, according to Patrolman Daniel Tucker, Francisco could be seen behind the wheel, "someone well-known to me."
Police say Francisco drove right at Troncoso and "did not brake, slow down or hesitate in driving directly at officers." As the vehicle neared and Troncoso realized it wasn't going to stop, he was forced to dive out of the way.
"A collision with Officer Troncoso was avoided by less than 1 foot of space," according to the police report.
Patrolman Theodore Pierce attempted to pursue Francisco. He lost him on Salem Street, but police say they had already gotten a good look at the license plate number.
A check revealed Francisco has a suspended license because of "several previous drug charges" and has already been convicted once of driving with a suspended license.
The gray Taurus was eventually found on Salem Street. It had a canceled registration belonging to a woman who police believe is linked romantically to Francisco.
Among the other charges sought are failing to stop for an officer; failing to stop at a stop sign; driving to endanger; driving after his license was suspended, a subsequent offense; speeding; and driving an unregistered vehicle.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
