Can You Hear Me Now? Replacement Worker Allegedly Hits Verizon Picketer With Truck in DUI

WESTBOROUGH, MA — A replacement worker is facing charges after he allegedly drove under the influence through a Verizon picket line, hitting one of the striking workers, as well as a police officer.

Thursday at approximately 8:20 a.m., Westborough police report they were assisting with a labor dispute involving striking Verizon workers and replacement workers staying at the Extended Stay Hotel at 180 E. Main St. in Westborough

Roughly 80 picketers stood out front, and four officers were helping the replacement workers get through the picket line, according to a police report on the incident.

Among the replacement workers was George A. Pulling, age 55, of Naples, FL, whose pickup truck police said they helped escort through the line of yelling and screaming picketers.

Pulling then accelerated while in the middle of the picketers and ended up with one of the workers, Joseph Rooney, on the hood of the truck, according to police.

Pulling allegedly continued onto the ramp on Route 9 West, when he finally stopped, causing Rooney to be tossed onto the road, police said. Rooney, 47, of Roslindale, was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Westborough Fire Department and was transported to UMass Medical for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Pulling was arrested on two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (the vehicle), one for Rooney and one for Westborough Officer LeeAnne Baker, who was struck by the mirror of the vehicle. He was also charged with DUI alcohol 4th offense and operating a motor vehicle without a license. His license in Florida was suspended, therefore his right to operate in Massachusetts is also suspended.

He will be arraigned in Westborough District Court Thursday.

>> Photo of Connecticut Verizon Wireless storefront courtesy Mike Mozart via Flickr/Creative Commons