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In the 351 cities and towns, Massachusetts State Troopers use their training and skill to navigate a variety of circumstances that often present significant danger to themselves and others. In an effort to raise greater awareness of their work, the Department periodically shares incident summaries.
Each summary reflects a small portion of the Department’s work to strengthen public safety, collaborate with our partners, and build positive relationships in the communities we serve.
For the integrity of ongoing criminal cases and in the interest of each subject’s privacy, we have removed personally identifying information from the narratives as well as information not subject to public disclosure. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Foot Pursuit After Traffic Stop Yields Gun, Drugs, and Money
Troopers assigned to the Springfield Barracks conducted a traffic stop on Belmont Street in Springfield. While on the stop, a passenger fled the vehicle on foot wearing a full ski mask and fanny pack. Troopers ran after the man through several yards and scaled a wooden fence before apprehending the man without further incident.
After the arrest, Troopers recovered the fanny pack which contained crack cocaine. It appeared less full than when Troopers first observed the man flee the traffic stop. An additional Trooper with his K-9 partner conducted a search for any contraband that may have been discarded during the foot chase. Troopers subsequently located a loaded Glock pistol and a large amount of US currency.
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Traffic Stop for Dirty License Plate Reveals Wanted Man with Narcotics
Troopers assigned to the Northampton Barracks stopped a vehicle on Route 91 in Hatfield for failing to display a license plate. After Troopers approached the vehicle, they brushed away debris to reveal a temporary Vermont license plate which was not valid.
In speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, a passenger was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. While Troopers took him into custody, they located a large number of wax folds containing heroin in his pocket. A follow up search of the subject's jacket revealed 300 baggies of heroin along with eight tabs of LSD.
After the passenger was arrested, Troopers discovered that the operator was unlicensed, issued a criminal summons, and requested a tow for the vehicle.
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Reports of Erratic Vehicle End with Driver Pointing Gun at Troopers
Troopers assigned to the Springfield Barracks responded to multiple calls of an erratic vehicle on Route 91 in Longmeadow. After locating the vehicle on Main Street in Springfield, the vehicle sped toward them head on, ran a red light, and nearly struck their cruiser.
Troopers immediately stopped the vehicle and observed the driver moving around aggressively while seated in the cabin. On approach, Troopers heard the driver rack a firearm and point a handgun in their direction.
The Troopers drew their firearms and ordered the operator out of the vehicle onto the ground. They continued their commands and showed restraint until the operator put down his weapon and surrendered to arrest.
After transporting the man to the Barracks, he became uncooperative and combative. He attempted to remove his handcuffs and grabbed a portion of his leg irons to hold it up and threaten the Troopers with a makeshift weapon. The man was eventually transported to a county jail and was charged with several crimes.
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Two Arrested After Chaotic Disturbance
Troopers assigned to the Russell Barracks responded to a large disturbance on Main Street in Chester, where a person allegedly smashed glass using a baseball bat. Alongside local police, Troopers arrived on scene when a women suddenly approached them with a knife. Police ordered her to drop the weapon. Once in custody, Troopers discovered a second knife on her person.
After securing the women in custody, Troopers conducted interviews with witnesses on scene and placed another person under arrest for their part in the matter.
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Troopers Rescue Injured Barred Owl
Troopers from the Andover Barracks responded to reports of an injured owl in the roadway on Route 495 in Tewksbury. Upon their arrival, they found a dazed and injured Barred Owl in the breakdown lane.
After securing the owl in a cruiser, Troopers requested Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) to respond. MEP personnel assumed care of the owl and transported it to a Bird Sanctuary for rehabilitation.
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Tractor-Trailer Assists Troopers Stopping a Wrong-Way Intoxicated Driver
Shortly after 3:30 a.m., Troopers assigned to the Charlton Barracks responded to reports of a wrong way driver on Interstate 90 in Warren. Troopers quickly arrived to the area and were able to stop the vehicle without further incident.
After securing the scene, Troopers interviewed the operator of the wrong-way vehicle and detected signs of alcohol impairment. Troopers placed the operator under arrested and charged with them with several charges including 2nd Offense Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol.
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Trooper Arrests Two Men After Giving Fake Names
A Trooper assigned to State Police South Boston stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense on Morrissey Boulevard in Boston. During the traffic stop, the operator and a passenger provided false identities to the Trooper. The Trooper used their training and skill to engage in conversation, follow up, and determine the true identity of both individuals who had several active warrants for their arrest. Both subjects were arrested and transported to a barracks for booking.
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Troopers Respond to “Officer in Danger” Call
Troopers assigned to Troop B responded to assist a with a traffic stop on Route 91 in Springfield. While en route, the Trooper on scene radioed for emergency police assistance, a call which law enforcement rarely make.
Troopers arrived to find a driver exhibiting combative behavior. The team safely gained control of the suspect and requested State Police K-9 support after observing a scale commonly used in the distribution of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.
A responding K-9 and trooper handler team conducted an exterior sniff of the vehicle and the pair quickly showed an alert to narcotic odor emanating from inside the vehicle. An interior K-9 sniff showed a second alert on a canvas bag, a fanny pack, and a bulkhead. A subsequent hand search yielded 18 grams of cocaine, a large amount of US currency, a handgun, and 20 rounds of ammunition.
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Traffic Stop for Window Tint Leads to Pursuit, Investigation, and Arrest
A Trooper assigned to the Holden Barracks stopped a vehicle on Interstate 190 after observing an illegal window tint. The Trooper request backup to assist on scene after observing signs of potential narcotic-related criminal activity.
While awaiting additional police, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The Trooper pursued the vehicle until it exited the interstate into a densely populated area, at which point he terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.
Troopers canvased the area where the vehicle was last seen and located it stopped in the middle of a street.
A short time later, a person who was believed to be the passenger in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop walked towards the vehicle from behind a nearby building. Troopers detained the person and requested State Police K-9 units to assist in locating the operator.
While searching the area, Troopers located cameras on a nearby building which they reviewed. The footage showed the passenger running with a large blue bag to an area behind a pond before climbing a fence then returning without the bag. Using the footage, Troopers retraced his steps, alongside local police who responded to assist, and located the bag, which contained over a kilogram of cocaine.
Members of the State Police Gang Unit arrived on scene to assist and located an additional 2.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden at the scene. The passenger was placed under arrest for various narcotics charges, however, the operator was not immediately located. A warrant was issued for their arrest.
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