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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.
Troopers Assist Springfield Police with Brazen Shooting
Early one afternoon, a Trooper assigned to the Springfield Barracks responded to assist members of Springfield Police after reports of a person shot on Cambridge Street. Officials issued a bulletin asking area police to be on the look out for a vehicle involved in the incident (“be on the lookout” is usually shorted to BOLO among law enforcement).
A Trooper on patrol on State Street observed a vehicle matching the BOLO description and initiated a traffic stop.
Mindful of the danger of approaching a car with an armed subject, the Trooper called for assistance. Together, a joint team of Troopers and Officers coordinated a safe approach to the vehicle. The team removed two occupants without incident and took the pair safely into custody.
A .45 caliber pistol, that had been reported stolen in another state, was recovered from the vehicle.
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Intoxicated Driver Causes Multiple Crashes
Troopers assigned to the Northampton Barracks responded to reports of a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 91 north in Holyoke. During their response, dispatchers relayed a description of the fleeing vehicle which the Troopers spotted on the opposite side of the highway traveling south.
Seconds later, a separate 911 caller reported that the fleeing vehicle crashed a second time into another vehicle. The vehicle came to rest on its side. Several cruisers responded to this scene and rendered aid to all involved.
After an investigation on scene, the driver of the fleeing vehicle was arrested and charged with operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of a crash, and other motor vehicle charges.
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Traffic Stop Results in Foot Pursuit and Discovery of Narcotics, Stolen Gun
A Trooper and his Field Training Officer assigned to the Springfield Barracks observed a speeding vehicle with illegal window tint. The Troopers initiated a traffic stop during which a masked passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot clutching a small bag.
After a lengthy foot pursuit, the Troopers successfully apprehended the suspect then conducted a search of the area with the assistance of State Police K-9. During the search, Troopers located a stolen firearm, narcotics, and a large amount of cash. The suspect was transported to the Barracks without further incident.
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Erratic Vehicle with Suspended Driver and Wanted Passenger
A Trooper assigned to the Charlton Barracks initiated a traffic stop for a Dodge Charger operating erratically on Interstate 90 west. After stopping the vehicle and speaking with the occupants, the Trooper returned to his cruiser to query their information.
The query revealed that the operator’s driver’s license was suspended, and the passenger provided a false name.
With the assistance of additional Troopers at the scene, the State Police team conducted a thorough investigation. Troopers ascertained the true identity of the passenger who had four active warrants for his arrest. Troopers also found the operator in possession of narcotics. Both men were arrested without incident.
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Repeat Offender Arrest After Crash
Dispatchers in Troop C received reports of a two-car crash on Interstate 90 in Auburn that resulted in a vehicle on its side. Troopers assigned to the Charlton Barracks responded and located the overturned vehicle which blocked all but one lane of travel.
Troopers learned from witnesses that the operator of the vehicle who caused the crash fled on foot into the woods.
With the assistance of members of the Auburn Police K-9 Unit, police established a perimeter and began a scent track. The joint team located operator approximately half of a mile into the woods sleeping in the snow. After waking him, Troopers detected signs of impairment by alcohol and subsequently placed him under arrest for 4th Offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
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Man Arrested in Stolen Vehicle after Foot Pursuit
A Trooper assigned to the Troop D Community Action Team observed a vehicle in Brockton matching the description of a BOLO. Dispatchers confirmed the vehicle description and license plate matched a reported stolen vehicle. The Trooper requested support as he followed the vehicle from a safe distance.
The stolen vehicle eventually parked in a lot where the driver and passenger exited the vehicle. When the Trooper approached to speak with them, the pair fled. Troopers caught up to the operator and a struggle ensued. He was placed under arrest and transported for booking without further incident.
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Murder Suspect Apprehended after Foot Pursuit
Just after midnight, Troopers assigned to the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and Bristol County State Police Detective Unit attempted to apprehend a suspect in Dorchester who was wanted for murder. After making contact with the suspect, he immediately ran on foot, resulting in a chase.
In an effort to cordon off the area, the team engaged area patrols to assist. A Trooper from the South Boston Barracks located the suspect and successfully placed him under arrest without incident.
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State Police K-9 Assists Stoughton Police Apprehending Stabbing Suspect
On an evening shift, a Trooper assigned to the State Police K-9 Unit assisted Stoughton Police in responding to a hostage negotiation following a serious stabbing.
The Joint Police Team responded to a suspect held up in an apartment building with two victims suffering life-threatening injuries. After the suspect failed to surrender, police recognized the urgent need to render aid to victims as quickly as possible. The Team successfully made entry, the K-9 Team subdued the suspect, and the Stoughton Officers cared for the victims. Both victims required emergency med-flight to Boston for treatment.
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