Injured officer says 'I forgive;' driver apologizes at court hearing; prosecutor urges 'second chance'
NORTHAMPTON – A Northampton District Court Judge Friday placed a 26-year-old Northampton woman on two years of probation in connection with a January crash --with the full support of the Northampton Police Department and the police officer badly injured when her car, travelling at twice the speed limit, struck his cruiser.
The sentence came during an emotional and tearful hearing in which Maleaha Lee Aquadro pleaded guilty to one count each of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The Commonwealth dropped charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, speeding, marked lanes and seatbelt violations as part of the plea agreement which was recommended jointly by Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington and defense attorney Michael McHale.
Northampton District Court Judge Jacklyn Connly adopted the recommended sentence of two years on probation and a one-year loss of license with the following conditions: completion of a driver alcohol education program; engage in treatment as recommended; submit to random alcohol tests; 100 hours of community service. If Aquadro violates the conditions of her probation, she could be sentenced to up to 2 ½ years in the House of Correction.
The crash occurred on Jan. 30, 2021 at 11:30 p.m., when Officer Matthew Knowlton’s cruiser was struck by Aquadro’s vehicle on Rocky Hill Road (Route 66) in Northampton. Knowlton, badly injured in the collision, cut himself out of his crushed vehicle and rushed over to Aquadro to help her out, fearing her vehicle might catch fire. Aquadro suffered a head injury.
Knowlton has been out of work since the collision, undergone multiple surgeries, engaged in physical therapy and endured what he told the court was the worst pain of his life. He is expected to return to duty next month, he said.
In a statement to the court, Knowlton said his recovery from injuries have been challenging and left him with permanent scarring and he moved from anger to acceptance over the months since the crash.
"It’s a miracle we’re both standing here in court,” he said. “I want to make sure it gives Miss Aquadro a chance to learn from this and understand it’s an accident, but it could have ended my life or both of our lives. I forgive Miss Aquadro and I just want to move on from this and I wish the same for her as well.”
“You are to be commended on your behavior that night and I’m very impressed by your compassion,” Connly said after Knowlton’s statement.
In explaining the plea agreement and recommended sentence, Covington said Aquadro made “horrific, terrible decisions that put her life and other lives in danger,” and that the Commonwealth could well have pursued felony charges, but given Aquadro has been remorseful and immediately sought to take responsibility for her actions, the agreement seemed in the interest of justice.
“This is not a slap on the wrist,” he said. The probation term will hold “significant conditions that will protect the public. If the court accepts the disposition, Miss Aquardro will be given a second chance.”
McHale also asked Connly to accept the plea and adopt the recommended sentence, noting that following her hospitalization, Aquadro immediately took rehabilitative action, including therapy and seeking other help. “She will never forget this,” he said. She also initiated sending a letter of apology to Knowlton, which she read aloud in court.
“I’m very sorry for the pain and suffering and emotional toll this has caused you and your family.” She said “not a day goes by” that she does not feel deep remorse for what transpired that night, even while she said she has no memory of it, and she thanked him for getting her out of the vehicle.
“I wish you the best and I thank you for your service,” Aquadro said to Knowlton, who was seated in court behind her.