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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 for Window Tint Yields Firearms, Narcotics
A Trooper assigned to the Middleboro Barracks stopped a vehicle on Route 44 in Raynham for excessive window tint. During his interaction with the driver and passengers, the Trooper noticed that the interior was filled with smoke which smelled of burnt marijuana. The Trooper also observed a bag which had a large amount of marijuana along with a bottle of tequila in plain sight.
After learning all the occupants were under the age of 21, they were removed from the vehicle to conduct a search for additional illegally possessed contraband. During the search, the Trooper discovered ammunition along with a shotgun with a defaced serial number, a small amount of Cocaine, and scales commonly used in the distribution of illegal substances. After placing the occupants under arrest, Troopers also located a loaded pistol.
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Troopers Successfully Execute Focused Traffic Enforcement Campaign
As a response to an increase in safety concerns from numerous reports of vehicles operating erratically, at excessive speeds, or with safety violations that could make them hazardous on the roadway, members of the Troop D Community Action Team conducted a highly effective operation in the patrol areas of the Middleboro and Dartmouth Barracks. The objective of the operation was to seek out and hold accountable the operators of vehicles violating traffic laws.
The operation yielded significant results, with 506 citations issued, including 11 for criminal offenses. Notably, eight drivers were cited for traveling over 100 MPH, and 10 vehicles deemed unroadworthy were towed from the scene. Additionally, the operation led to two arrests of wanted individuals. Additionally, not a single vehicle crash occurred in the area during the operation, highlighting the success and impact of the initiative.
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Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Arrests Gang Affiliate Wanted in NC
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations requested assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Central Team with locating and apprehending a known gang affiliate of the "Folk Nation.” The man, wanted for firearms related offenses, had an extraditable warrant issued after having fled a January traffic stop in North Carolina where two illegally possessed firearms were in his possession.
Through the investigation of authorities in North Carolina, they obtained information that the man was residing in Webster. After building a plan with local police, VFAS members began surveillance, following him as he returned from a convenience store. Once at his residence, Troopers and Officers established a perimeter then executed the warrant. The man attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
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Two Arrested with Firearms, Narcotics
During a midnight shift, a Trooper assigned to the Northampton Barracks requested K-9 assistance at a motor vehicle stop on Route 91 in Hatfield. During the investigation on scene, the Trooper suspected there may be a firearm inside the vehicle and removed the two occupants. A Trooper and his partner, K-9 Davor, responded to the scene and quickly conducted a safety scan of the vehicle’s interior.
During that safety scan, the pair found a handgun on the back seat under the arm rest, at which point both occupants were handcuffed. Troopers located a second handgun hidden in one of the passenger’s waistbands.
Once the two men were secured, K-9 Davor conducted a full vehicle search. K-9 Davor showed an indication of possible narcotics during a sniff of a fanny pack on the passenger’s side floor. Troopers later opened the fanny pack and located 35 grams of Cocaine and 10 grams of Heroin. Both occupants were eventually transported to the Barracks for booking.
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Intoxicated Driver Arrested with Heroin, Cocaine
A Trooper patrolling I-95 in Wakefield observed an erratic pick-up truck traveling at more than 100 miles per hour. The Trooper quickly caught up to the vehicle, activated his emergency lights, and initiated a traffic stop.
After speaking with the driver, the Trooper detected signs of impairment by narcotics and placed him under arrest. During an inventory of the contents in the vehicle, the Trooper located approximately 25 grams of Heroin, 15 grams of Cocaine, and packaging materials and scales commonly used in the illegal sale and distribution of illicit narcotics. The driver was transported to the Barracks where he was charged with narcotics related offenses, along with a second offense charge of intoxicated driving.
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Woman Wanted for Trafficking Narcotics Arrested while Trafficking Narcotics
During an evening shift, a Trooper assigned to the Troop A Community Action Team stopped a vehicle for speeding on River Road in Andover. While speaking with the driver, the Trooper made observations consistent with drug use by the vehicle’s occupants.
When backup Troopers arrived, they recognized a passenger as someone who had been arrested for trafficking narcotics last year. Troopers subsequently discovered she had an active probation warrant.
After taking her into custody, Troopers located nearly 75 grams of Fentanyl along with nearly 5 grams of Crack Cocaine hidden on her person. Three other passengers in the vehicle were also arrested and charged with narcotics related crimes.
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Investigation After Pursuit Results in Arrest of Two with Firearms
A Trooper on patrol attempted to stop a vehicle after watching the driver fail to stop for a red traffic signal on Main Street in Holyoke. The vehicle, initially slow to pull over, entered Interstate 391 and accelerated. The Trooper initiated a pursuit which was eventually called off for safety reasons.
In a follow up investigation, Troopers travelled to the registered owner’s address where they observed the fleeing vehicle pulling into the parking lot. Troopers surrounded the vehicle and removed two occupants. While taking the passenger into custody, Troopers located a loaded firearm. Troopers then searched the vehicle and recovered a second loaded firearm as well as a small amount of Cocaine. Both men were placed under arrest without further incident.
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Unlicensed Driver Arrested with Illegally Possessed Firearm
Shortly after starting a day shift, a Trooper assigned to the Charlton Barracks stopped a vehicle after observing the driver commit several violations on Interstate 90. After identifying the driver, the Trooper discovered he was not licensed and requested a tow truck to the scene.
Prior to towing the vehicle an inventory was conducted, during which, Troopers located a loaded firearm. The driver, who had prior criminal convictions including armed robbery, is not licensed to possessed firearms. He was transported to a barracks for booking on multiple offenses.
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