MSP Troopers Track Down Shooting Suspect That Dragged Lawrence Officer While Fleeing Traffic Stop

In the early morning hours of Monday, April 29, Trooper Connor Hendry was working the midnight shift out of the Andover Barracks. Trooper Hendry heard radio traffic reporting a shooting near Fitz Street in Lawrence. A Lawrence Officer stopped a vehicle suspected to be involved in the shooting and was dragged a short distance when the vehicle fled the stop.

A description of the vehicle was broadcast to MSP patrols in the area, and Trooper Hendry began a search for the vehicle. Shortly after 3 AM Trooper Hendry located the vehicle, a white Honda, taking the ramp from Route 93 to Route 495 southbound. Trooper Hendry activated his blue lights, and backed up by a patrol supervisor, conducted a felony stop of the Honda. Trooper Hendry was able to issue commands and the shooting suspect exited the vehicle, but quickly fled on foot into a nearby swamp.

Trooper Hendry and the sergeant on scene could not be outrun, and contained the suspect, JUNIOR ARIAS LARA, 31, of Springfield. Trooper Hendry ordered ARIAS LARA to keep his hands visible and exit the swamp. ARIAS LARA repeatedly ignored the Trooper’s orders, dropping his hands and reaching into his waistband. As Trooper Hendry approached ARIAS LARA to effect an arrest, ARIAS LARA began to struggle with Trooper Hendry and again tried to flee.

Trooper Hendry utilized controlling techniques and took ARIAS LARA to the ground. ARIAS LARA continued to struggle and hid his hands from Trooper HENDRY. Trooper Hendry utilized defensive tactics to subdue ARIAS LARA, and with the assistance of the patrol supervisor, secured ARIAS LARA in handcuffs and placed him into custody.

Custody of ARIAS LARA was transferred to Lawrence Police, where charges were filed in relation to the initial shooting incident, and the traffic stop where ARIAS LARA dragged the Lawrence officer with his vehicle. 

JUNIOR ARIAS LARA will face charges filed by Trooper Hendry related to his attempts to flee apprehension. ARIAS LARA will be scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court to face charges of:

1. Failure To Stop For Police;

2. Resisting Arrest; and

3. Unlicensed Operation Of A Motor Vehicle.