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Driver allegedly strikes MSP trooper before police pursuit in Natick

(File photo)

A driver was arrested after allegedly striking an officer following a traffic stop and leading police on a pursuit in Natick, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police said the trooper stopped a driver traveling west on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Natick for motor vehicle violations, and when he asked for the man's driver's license, the driver sped off, striking the trooper in the process.

The trooper was not injured and began a pursuit westbound, with police saying the suspect's vehicle speed fluctuating between "high and moderate, across all lanes of the road."

Police said the pursuit continued west into Troop C, with other State Police units converging on the area.

In Grafton, the suspect's vehicle allegedly slowed to a stop, and the trooper took the driver into custody.

The driver, identified as 39-year-old Winthrop native German Iraheta, was determined to be impaired by alcohol, and police said the car was determined to have run out of gas.

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Iraheta was charged with operating under the influence of liquor (third offense), operating a vehicle while suspended for OUI, failure to stop for police, negligent operation, speeding, marked lanes violation and driving with an open container of alcohol.

He was booked in Weston, and police said he was not the registered owner of the car.

The owner of the car will be summonsed for allowing improper operation, police said.