Sex Offender Accused Of Stabbing Danvers Police Officer

By Kathy Curran, WBZ-TV

August 19, 2011 6:33 PM

Roy Limbaugh (Photo courtesy: Sex Offender Registry Board)

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DANVERS (CBS) – The man accused of violently attacking a Danvers police officer claimed he was the victim as he was led into the Danvers police department Friday.

Police say officer John Melto was doing surveillance near Roy Limbaugh’s mobile home on Pope’s Lane early this morning when the 58-year-old convicted sex offender pulled up and attacked.

Chief Neil Oullette said, “Officer Melto confronted the suspect, a struggle ensued and Officer Melto sustained serious injuries to his neck, wrist and hands.”

But the injured officer managed to get to his cruiser and radio in a description of Limbaugh’s car.

Police spotted Limbaugh 90 minutes later after receiving a report of a man covered in blood heading down Route 24 south and arrested him.

WBZ-TV’s Kathy Curran reports

He had multiple warrants for his arrest.

A Danvers police warning on a car at his home said his license plates on another car were seized Thursday and when Officer Melto showed up to check on his whereabouts something went terribly wrong.

Ouellette said he didn’t recall an incident as serious as this in the Danvers Police Department in his 29 years.

Colleen Nicosia grew up next door to Melto, he’s known as hard working cop who loves his job.

Nicosia said, “It’s really scary when you think about the risks of the job, it’s scary when it happens right next door, I’m just glad he’s okay.”

Melto underwent surgery at Salem Hospital and is expected to be okay.

In a posting on their Facebook page Friday morning, Danvers police said Officer Melto will make a “full recovery.”

Limbaugh was charged with assault with intent to murder, assault and battery and assault and battery on a police officer. He’s being held without bail and is due back in court next week.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Carl Stevens reports

Limbaugh had two outstanding warrants for motor vehicle violations. He was driving with a suspended license and has a lengthy driving record with revocations and multiple suspensions.

Sex Offender Accused Of Stabbing Danvers Police Officer

http://www.masscops.com/f79/danvers-police-officer-stabbed-98114/#post615229 Danvers police officer stabbed

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Matt

Mommy and Daddy must be proud.
Ellen

Put the SOB away in jail for life. For life, not 5 years and he’s out. Theses level 3 sex offenders are and always have been a scourge to society, and should be put away for life.

A

@ Ellen
It’s MA, life don’t mean anything.

The guy who shot and killed the Woburn police officer was serving what ? 3 x life
and was out on parole

Mark

I can hear the ACLU and NAMBLA now! He was provoked by the cop.He was confused and thought the cop was a trespasser.Spend 48 cents and put a round behind his ear! If this POS is ever released into society again then the judge or Parole Board that allows it to happen should burn in hell! Hey Parole Board: Thank God this officer didn’t end up as a statistic! Hey Iannella,here’s another poster boy for the Governors Council!

Lori

@ Mark,
I find it disconcerting that you mention NAMBLA in regards to an article that is about a Level 3 Offender. NAMBLA is offenders offending against children. Not ALL Level 3 Offenders have committed crimes against children. In fact not all offenses include an assault to that kind of extreme. You can be labeled an offender for something as innocuos as relieving yourself in the woods and being caught.

RB

And just remember folks, the recent drop in the number of paroles granted is supposed to be a BAD thing.
Peggy

Hang the SOB!! To bad the cop couldn’t get to his gun and just blow this POS away. I bet a lot of parents would give the cop a medal.
TJ

Yet another proud moment for the court system!! Now you know why it is called the Criminal Justice System, they (the criminals) all get a slap on the wrist by people that wear those Black Robes. Not judges do that but there is a large part of them that do nothing when brought in front of the court. What if the officer was your brother, son or daughter that this happen to?? It is time the country stops asking why didn’t the cops do anything? When they do, but only to see a weak link in a major part of the chain to let them go!!!!! Get well soon Officer Melto.
cynic

Lets wait until all the facts are in.
Joe

Thank god the cop will survive! When he is well enough give him his sidearm, a full clip and let him have target practice on this waste of oxygen! I know I know….. that will never happen and its probably not the “right thing”. But just the thought of it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
taxedout

Sex offender, suspended license, 2 warrents…..i say the Mass judges are doing us a favor. Look at how many times the guy Doesn’t go to jail and how many times he gets arrested….A turnsyle for business in Mass. Police get to arrest the same guy many times, fines,(if they are paid) and no cost to keep the Nut in jail…I believe the Gov may think this is profiling!!!