Billerica Police Arrest Man after Violent Assault on Police Officer

For Immediate Release

Monday, July 20, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Billerica Police Arrest Man after Violent Assault on Police Officer

BILLERICA — Chief Daniel Rosa reports that the Billerica Police Department arrested a man late Sunday evening after he allegedly hit a police officer over the head with a liquor bottle as the offer was investigating a report of a disturbance at a residence.

Police responded to an address on Argonne Road at 10:30 p.m. for a report of a disturbance involving two adult males. Upon arrival, officers determined that there were multiple occupants inside the dwelling.

As Officer Patrick O’Brien began his initial investigation by speaking to the reporting party in the downstairs portion of the residence, Sgt. John Harring stood on the landing just inside the front door of the home. At that time an adult white male resident of the home, later identified as DANIEL ZAMMUTO, AGE 25, OF BILLERICA, rapidly descended the stairs while swinging a glass bottle in his hand. The 6-foot-tall, nearly 200-pound ZAMMUTO  struck Sgt. Harring at least once on the top of his head with the liquor bottle, knocking him unconscious.

ZAMMUTO allegedly tried to strike the sergeant multiples, but Officer O’Brien heard the commotion and intervened, deploying his department-issued Taser to stop the suspect’s attack.

ZAMMUTO was subsequently immobilized and handcuffed. He was arrested and transported back to the Billerica Police Department where he was booked on charges of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with Intent to Murder or Maim.

“Officer O’Brien and Sgt. Harring were conducting their duties when a dangerous suspect attacked,” Chief Rosa said. “I wish to praise both officer for their professionalism and single out Officer O’Brien for stopping the attacker in his tracks. On behalf of the entire community, I wish Sgt. Harring a full and speedy recovery.”

ZAMMUTO will be arraigned Monday in Lowell District Court.

Sgt. Harring was transported from the scene by ambulance to Lahey Clinic in Burlington where he was treated for what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

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