Marlborough Man Accused Of Striking Two Cops

LOWELL -- A Marlborough man with a 30-page record was ordered held on $7,500 cash bail after pleading not guilty to striking a Lowell police detective Friday night when he attempted to arrest the driver who was wanted on warrants.

In Lowell District Court on Monday, Darryl Buchannan, 54, of Marlborough, pleaded not guilty to charges of: assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (two counts); operating under the influence of drugs; leaving the scene of personal injury; leaving the scene of property damage; possession of a Class B drug; failure to stop for police; speeding, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Judge Dennis Curran also revoked Buchannan's probation on one case and revoked his bail on two pending cases in Lowell District Court.

Defense attorney Anthony Martinez argued for a lower bail and a GPS monitoring device noting that Buchannan has been active in the community for the past six to eight years evening participating in UTEC's anti-bullying program.

UTEC Director Gregg Croteau said Buchannan does not work for UTEC nor does UTEC have formal anti-bullying program.

But prosecutor Gabrielle Lomanno argued that Buchannan has a criminal record that includes a charge for assault after he allegedly beat up a "John'' who refused to pay for a prostitute's services.

Lomanno alleges that on Friday night, officers saw Buchannan driving and knew he didn't have a valid license. In checking his status, they found he had warrants for his arrest.

After stopping Buchannan, an officer knocked on his car window. With that, Buchannan allegedly drove forward trying and struck the officer in the knee.

As Buchannan allegedly drove off, he led police on a high-speed chase through the streets of Lowell before he crashed into other vehicles, including a police cruiser, and was forced to stop.

The injured officer was transported to the hospital, treated and released. Another detective cut his hand on glass when arresting Buchannan. The second detective was also treated and released from the hospital.

Police found the remnants of crack cocaine during a search of Buchannan's car. He allegedly told police he had just done "a lot'' of cocaine before the incident.

In court, Buchannan admitted he was high on drugs and didn't know what he had injected.

The injured officer was transported to the hospital, treated and released. Another detective cut his hand on glass when arresting Buchannan. The second detective was also treated and released from the hospital.