Taunton police officer injured in crash

By Khristopher Flack, Globe Correspondent

A veteran Taunton police offer was taken to the hospital this morning with a large gash in his head and broken ribs after being hit by a car while working a detail, police said.

David DeOliveira, 40, was on assignment with Taunton Municipal Light Plant workers while they trimmed tree branches from telephone wires. Police said one of the utility workers used the officer's radio to contact authorities.

Lieutenant Joe Coelho visited DeOliveira, a 10-year member of the force, in the hospital, where he was listed in good condition. Coelho said the injured officer was "a little groggy" but in good spirits considering the accident.

Accident reconstruction crews are still investigating and police have not yet decided to press charges. The driver, Taunton resident Roxanne Morin, who knows DeOliveira, blamed the accident on a coughing fit she had while driving, Coelho said.

There is no timetable for DeOliveira's return to the force, Coelho said.

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