By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Northampton, MA) A Northampton woman has been placed on two years probation and one year loss of license after pleading guilty to reckless operation of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The woman, 26 year old Maleaha Lee Aquadro, is accused of striking a police cruiser head on at twice the posted speed limit on Jan 20, 2021 on Rocky Hill Road in Northampton. Officer Matthew Knowlton, was badly injured in the accident but managed to cut himself out of his cruiser to rescue Aquadro, fearing her car might catch on fire. Aquadro will be required to complete a driver alcohol education program, engage in treatments as recommended, submit to random alcohol testing, and complete 100 hours of community service. If Aquadro violates her probation she could face 2 1/2 years in the House of Correction.
In her statement to the court, Aquadro said “I’m very sorry for the pain and suffering and emotional toll this has caused you and your family.” Aquadro also said that not a day goes by where she does not feel deep remorse for the accident, even with no memory of the incident.
Officer Knowlton told the court that recovery from his injuries suffered in the collision has been challenging and scarring. He has moved to acceptance in the time after the crash but said “it’s a miracle we’re both standing here in court. I want to make sure it (the plea deal) gives Miss Aquadro a chance to learn from this and understand it’s an accident, but it could have ended my life or both our lives.”
The Commonwealth dropped the charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, speeding, marked lanes violation, and seatbelt violation as part of the plea bargain.