Police: Snowmobilers try to run over cop

By Danielle Williamson/Daily News staff
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - Updated: 12:54 AM EST

HUDSON - Two snowmobilers injured a police sergeant Sunday when they tried to run him over on their way to illegally ride on the Assabet River Valley Trail, police said.

Sgt. Christopher Shea, the first to answer a call about trespassers on Exeter Drive, is out of work with a knee injury until at least Thursday, Police Chief Richard A. Braga Jr. said.

Police received a call at 1:15 a.m. Sunday from an Exeter Drive resident who said two snowmobilers were "racing around" on the caller's property without permission. The men appeared to be heading toward the Assabet River Rail Trail, where snowmobiling is prohibited, Braga said.

Shea used a flashlight to illuminate himself and the snowmobilers, Braga said. "They slowed when they got close to him, and when they saw who he was, gunned the vehicles and headed toward him," Braga said.

Shea had to jump out of the way twice and slipped on the snow and ice-covered ground, Braga said.

Two other officers headed off and arrested Neal Diodato and Jeffrey Sullivan by the rail trail.

Diodato, 27, of 307 Central St., Apt. 1307, Hudson, and Sullivan, 28, of 20 Alogosi Road, Marlborough, pleaded not guilty in Marlborough District Court yesterday to assault with a dangerous weapon, a snowmobile, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, operating a snow/recreation vehicle on a public way, unsafe operation of a snow/recreation vehicle and failing to stop for police.

Police also charged the men with unregistered operation of a snow/recreation vehicle and operating a snow/recreation vehicle on private property: both civil infractions.

The men were released without bail yesterday and are scheduled to return to court in April.

Danielle Williamson can be reached at 508-490-7475 or dwilliam@cnc.com.