Drug suspect crashed into cruiser, Springfield police say

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A drug suspect crashed into a Springfield police cruiser as he tried to get away, forcing officers to smash his car window before he could reach his weapon.

Sgt. John Delaney told 22News around 7:00 Wednesday evening, narcotics detectives got wind of a cocaine deal that was about to happen at the Colonial Estates complex on Beacon Terrace.

As officers tried to arrest the suspect, Thomas Marerro of Springfield, he took off in his car; driving over the grass. Delaney says he then pulled out onto North Branch Parkway, broad-siding a police cruiser.

Delaney said that Marerro then refused to open the door for the officers, who could see a gun in his car. The police smashed the passenger side window and were able to arrest him.

Marerro faces several firearms and drug charges, as well as resisting arrest and assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

Officers seized a .40 caliber gun and 20 rocks of crack cocaine during the arrest, Delaney said.