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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.
Traffic Stop Results in Gun and Drug Seizure
A Trooper assigned to the Medford Barracks stopped a vehicle on Mystic Ave in Somerville. While speaking with the operator, Troopers observed a passenger in the back seat awkwardly fussing with his pants and jacket (which can be a behavior consistent with trying to conceal contraband). For officer safety reasons, Troopers asked the passenger to exist the vehicle for a pat-frisk.
During the search, Troopers located an illegally possessed handgun, along with several grams of Crack Cocaine on the man’s person. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional baggies of Crack Cocaine.
Troopers placed two people under arrest for firearms and narcotics related offenses as a result of the stop.
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Driver Who Speed Past Traffic Stop Arrested for Firearms, Narcotics Offenses
During a traffic stop, Troopers assigned to the Springfield Barracks observed a vehicle racing down the street past them. One of the Troopers left the traffic stop, caught up to the speeding vehicle, and stopped it.
During the second stop, the driver became hostile in conversation prompting the Troopers to remove him from the vehicle to be detained for safety reasons. After an investigation, followed by a subsequent search of the vehicle, Troopers discovered the operator illegally possessed a firearms and narcotics. Troopers placed the man under arrest without incident and charged him with firearms, narcotics, and motor vehicle violations.
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Traffic Stop for License Plate Light Yields Large Amount of Narcotics, Wanted Man
While on patrol on Interstate 91 in Hatfield, a Trooper assigned to the Northampton Barracks conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle with its license plate light out.
During the stop, the Trooper ascertained that the driver did not possess a license and, because of this, State Police dispatched a tow truck to remove the vehicle.
Before loading the vehicle onto the tow truck, the Trooper conducted a required inventory of its contents, during which, he discovered a bag containing a significant amount of narcotics. In total, Troopers seized more than 500 grams of Cocaine and 60 grams of Fentanyl. In addition to narcotics, Troopers learned a passenger in the vehicle had an extraditable warrant for his arrest in a neighboring state. The driver and passenger were both placed under arrest and transported to a barracks for booking.
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Troopers Utilize K-9 to Convince Suspect to Peacefully Surrender
During a midnight shift, a Trooper assigned to the Boston Tunnels Barracks initiated a traffic stop for an erratic driver. As the Trooper approached the vehicle, the operator fled at a high rate of speed. The Trooper pursued the vehicle but ultimately terminated for safety reasons.
A short time later, Troopers located the vehicle abandoned after the driver crashed. Braintree Police relayed reports of a person fleeing the scene of the crash on foot into the woods and law enforcement initiated an area search.
Troopers assigned to the K-9 Unit responded to assist in the search. Once on scene, K-9 Aries began tracking from the crashed vehicle and eventually located the driver who surrendered to arrest without further incident.
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Traffic Stop for Equipment Violation yields Firearm, Narcotics
At the start of their day shift, a Trooper assigned to the Charlton Barracks stopped a Honda Pilot for an equipment violation on Interstate 90.
During his approach, the Trooper observed a knife dangling from the rearview mirror as well as a glassine baggie containing a substance believed to be Cocaine. The driver and passenger were removed from the vehicle to allow for further investigation.
After a search of the vehicle and passenger, the Trooper located 20 wax folds containing Heroin, along with a large amount of cash and a loaded firearm. The two individuals were placed under arrest and transported to the Barracks for booking.
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Speeding Driver with Firearm Arrested for DUI
Two Troopers assigned to the Dartmouth Barracks were on patrol stopped at the intersection of Route 140 and Kempton Street in New Bedford. When an opposing traffic signal turned green, they observed a vehicle rapidly accelerate, screech its tires, and continue traveling well above the posted speed limit. The Troopers caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
After approaching the vehicle, Troopers observed an open container of alcohol and indications that the operator was intoxicated. Troopers removed the driver for field sobriety testing and found him in possession of a firearm. He was eventually placed under arrest and charged with firearms and vehicle related offenses.
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Trooper on Traffic Stop Chases Man Suspected of Stabbing
Early one evening, a Trooper assigned to the Troop D Community Action Team was conversing with a driver during a traffic stop when he observed another person running by his cruiser. Two other men subsequently appeared yelling, “Stop him! He just stabbed someone!”
The Trooper left the traffic stop to pursue the runner. After unsuccessfully trying to enter an apartment building, the Trooper successfully detained the man. With additional Troopers and Officers on scene for support, State Police placed the suspect under arrest and transferred custody to our partners at the Brockton Police Department.
After a search, Police found the suspect in possession of several knives and a hammer. The stabbing victim sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to their abdomen which required hospital care.
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Detectives Investigate Man after Threats to State Worker
Troopers assigned to the Troop D Detective Unit received actionable intelligence about an individual who made threatening phone calls to a MassDOT worker. The threat contained specific information about shooting the worker.
Detectives diligently pursued the threat and successfully identified a suspect. Querying the person revealed they were the subject of several active warrants for arrest on unrelated crimes.
Detectives and their counterparts in the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section located the suspect and placed them under arrest. Troopers booked them on the outstanding warrants as well as threats to commit a crime.
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