Man Who Hit Salem Officer with Car to be Returned to NH

A man who hit a Salem Police officer with his car last month has agreed to return to New Hampshire to face charges here, according to the Lowell Sun.

David Babcock, 53, of Lowell, MA was arrested more than a month ago, but until Tuesday had refused to waive extradition to New Hampshire. He is serving a six-month sentence on a drunken driving charge and will be brought back to Salem once he is released from jail to face charges of first degree assault, attempted first degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Babcock was arrested on Feb. 10 after an incident that began in Salem when two officers were called to investigate a report of a suspicious person in the area of 75 South Policy St. A resident had called police to report that an intoxicated person came to his door asking for directions. After getting directions, the suspect drove away in a white pickup truck. The caller said there was a child in the truck.

Officers stopped the suspect on Muse Terrace, a dead-end street. Once the stop was initiated, the suspect drove off, made a quick U-turn, and pointed his car at the officers. He began revving his engine and spinning his tires before driving at both officers, striking one officer in the knee as the officer jumped onto the hood of a cruiser to escape further injury. The officer sustained a minor leg injury.

Both officers attempted to pursue the suspect, but lost sight of him in the area of Pleasant and South Policy streets. He was arrested later in the night by Lowell Police.

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