State Trooper, 2 Others Hurt In Revere Crash

An off-duty state trooper was charged Monday with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol following an early morning crash in Revere that injured another trooper performing a traffic stop.

Trooper Shawn D'Amato, 43, faces other charges in connection with the crash on Route 1 just before 1 a.m., department spokesman David Procopio said in a statement.

The 19-year veteran rear-ended a stationary cruiser with its blue emergency lights on in the breakdown lane and with Trooper John Phonesavanh inside. The impact pushed the cruiser into the vehicle that had been pulled over, injuring a 29-year-old Chelsea man. His name was not made public.

Phonesavanh, who is assigned to the Revere Barracks, called in the crash himself and began checking on the condition of the other drivers.

All three men were taken to the hospital with injuries. Phonesavanh and the civilian motorist were later released from the hospital.

D'Amato faces was arraigned on charges of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and obstructing an emergency vehicle. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.

He was ordered released on his own recognizance but told not to drive while the case is pending.

D'Amato's service weapon and other department property was confiscated and he was relieved of duty pending an internal hearing later this week. He had been assigned to Logan International Airport.

He's due back in court on Jan. 10.

State police superintendent Col. Timothy Alben said in a statement Monday that he is "angered, dismayed and saddened by the alleged conduct of any member of this department who would recklessly risk the lives and safety of anyone. He pledged to "aggressively pursue justice in this and every such case."