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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 Work Together to Save Crash Victim
A Trooper assigned to the Springfield Barracks traveling on Interstate 291 encountered a vehicle that crashed into the guardrail on the Exit 5 off ramp. The Trooper stopped his cruiser, approached the vehicle, and found the driver unresponsive behind the wheel. After requesting EMS and additional patrols to assist, he used a window punch to access the cabin and provide medical aid.
When backup arrived, the team worked together to remove the driver, place him on the ground, and began CPR. While awaiting EMS, Troopers took turns performing CPR for more than seven minutes.
After EMS arrived, Troopers continued with chest compressions to allow medical professionals to begin advanced life support, including the use of a defibrillator. After a nearly 30-minute cooperative effort, with numerous shocks being delivered, the driver regained a pulse and was prepared for transport to a hospital. Doctors later informed Troopers that without the quick response and immediate lifesaving measures undertaken by all involved, the driver would have not survived.
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Driver of Stolen Fire Truck Arrested after Pursuit
Troopers assigned to the Northampton Barracks received numerous phone calls from motorists concerned they had been pulled over by a suspicious SUV with flashing lights. The callers reported seeing markings on the SUV identifying it as an out of state municipal Fire Department vehicle. While responding to the area, Troopers learned the SUV was stolen from a firehouse in the town it belonged to. Upon locating the vehicle, Troopers attempted to stop it, however, the driver refused to pull over.
A coordinated pursuit ensued, resulting in the fleeing vehicle striking a tire deflation device. Once the vehicle slowed to a stop, the driver was arrested without further incident and charged with driving while intoxicated, receiving a stolen vehicle, impersonating a police officer, along with a host of related offenses.
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Traffic Stop for Inspection Sticker Yields Wanted Man
A Trooper assigned to the Russell Barracks stopped a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker while patrolling Route 20 in Westfield. After speaking with the driver, it was clear he was attempting to hide his true identity, providing Troopers with a name that was quickly determined to be fake.
Backup arrived and coordinated with Troop B Dispatchers to ascertain the driver’s true identity. After an excellent cooperative investigation, Troopers properly identified the driver who had several warrants for his arrest for outstanding felony charges. Additionally, his license was determined to be suspended. The driver was arrested without incident and transported to a barracks for booking.
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Driver Speeding while Under the Influence of Narcotics Arrested
A Trooper assigned to the Charlton Barracks was conducting traffic enforcement on Interstate 90 west. While stopped and observing traffic, a pickup truck, with yellow and white strobe lights flashing, passed his location at a high rate of speed.
The Trooper entered traffic to catch up to the vehicle. While doing so, he observed it crash into another vehicle, lose control, and come to a final stop in the woodline at the side of the road. After the Trooper arrived at the crash scene, he approached the vehicle and observed its driver throwing canisters of nitrous oxide into the woods. Drug users commonly use these cannisters to inhale the gas inside, with a goal of becoming intoxicated by its effects.
Troopers determined the driver was under the influence of this gas, then placed him under arrest. He was transported for booking and charged with driving while under the influence of narcotics, along with a number of motor vehicle violations.
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Stolen Municipal Vehicle Recovered and Returned to Town
During an evening shift, Troopers assigned to the Bourne Barracks were advised to be on the lookout for a stolen, blue Chevrolet Silverado belonging to the Town of Dennis Water Department. Troopers flooded the area and observed the stolen truck on Route 6 in Sandwich.
After entering traffic and catching up to the truck, Troopers initiated a stop, then placed the driver under arrest without incident. He was transported to the barracks for booking and the truck was returned with the Dennis Water Department.
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Driver of Erratic Vehicle in Possession of Crystal Meth
While patrolling Route 6, a Trooper assigned to the Yarmouth Barracks observed a vehicle being driven erratically, then activated his cruiser’s blue lights in an attempt to stop it. The vehicle traveled nearly two miles before coming to a full stop.
After stopping, the Trooper approached the vehicle then spoke to the driver. He quickly observed signs of impairment, along with signs of possible narcotics use, then removed the driver to further investigate. The Trooper quickly determined the driver was intoxicated, then placed him under arrest. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers located a bag containing a substance believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine. The driver was transported to a barracks for booking.
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Stolen Vehicle Runs Out of Gas on Tobin Bridge
Early one afternoon, Troopers assigned to the Boston-Tunnels Barracks responded to reports of a vehicle that ran out of gas on the Tobin Bridge. As they pulled up to the scene, the vehicle was observed stationary, directly in the center lane, severely hindering the flow of traffic.
As part of the normal process to log incidents, Troopers conducted an electronic query the vehicle’s license plate. They quickly learned that the vehicle was reported stolen, then removed the driver and continued to investigate. The driver initially claimed that he was merely a passenger and that the driver left on foot, attempting to find gas. A review of the cameras on the bridge showed the man to be the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. He was placed under arrest without incident and transported to a barracks for booking.
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Traffic Program Section
While conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint in Troop C, a vehicle entered the lane restriction setup with damage indicating it was very recently involved in a crash. The front end of the vehicle showed extensive damage with a front tires missing from the wheel. After an investigation, the driver was placed under arrest for intoxicated operation and leaving the scene of a crash. In total, five drivers were placed under arrest during this checkpoint.
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