DRUG SUSPECT STRIKES MASSACUSETTS OFFICER

As Methuen police moved in on a suspicious vehicle in a Jackson Street parking lot yesterday, the driver reversed his car and hit a Methuen police officer and then fled, police said. Officer Joseph Aiello was hit by the car, but was not injured. Aiello and Officer Tracey Connor, members of the city's drug unit, were on patrol with Sgt. Christian Max looking for possible drug use, when they spotted two males who appeared to be using drugs in their black Honda, police said.

The suspects were parked at Big Lots on Jackson Street. As the officers approached and identified themselves, the driver backed up the car and struck Aiello, police said. As they drove toward Lawrence, the officers called in a description of the car and license plate number. Officer Kevin Abraham was around the corner on a routine traffic stop when he saw the suspects' vehicle and followed it into Lawrence. When other officers arrived, they arrested the suspects. Assisting Abraham in the arrest were officers Christine Nicolosi and Michael Velazquez.

The driver, Sean Souza, 20, of 15 Satucett Lane, Billerica, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for a police officer, possession of heroin, and illegal possession of prescription drugs. The passenger, William Shaw, 21, 14 Moran Road, Billerica, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for a police officer and possession of heroin.

The Police Department's drug unit was in the area of Jackson and Swan streets to investigate possible drug activity when they spotted the black Honda.

"They regularly do checks on parking lots in businesses in the area," said acting Chief Katherine Lavigne. Lavigne said drug use and drug deals in the city have been going on regularly. "We're trying to stay on top of it," she said. "This is the type of work they are constantly doing."