Mass. State Police Trooper Dragged Several Feet after Stopping Driver
What to know
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A Massachusetts State Police trooper was dragged several feet during a Tuesday night traffic stop in Holyoke involving a suspect wanted out of Vermont for reportedly being armed and wearing body armor.
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The suspect fled in a Black Audi with a Vermont temporary registration, reaching speeds over 100 mph as troopers deployed a K-9, an aviation unit, a Star Chase tracker and speed sticks before the chase was ended for safety reasons.
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The driver is believed to have entered Connecticut, and Massachusetts State Police are assisting Vermont officials with the follow-up investigation.
A Massachusetts State Police trooper was dragged after they stopped a driver near an exit on Interstate 91 in Holyoke on Tuesday, according to a statement.
After 10 p.m. on Tuesday, a trooper stopped a Black Audi with a temporary Vermont registration in its window near Exit 15 on I-91, the statement read.
The driver was the subject of a “BOLO,” or “be on the lookout,” because they were believed to be armed with a rifle and have body armor, Vermont officials told Massachusetts State Police.
As the driver accelerated to leave, the trooper was dragged several feet, State Police said.
“Thankfully, the trooper was not seriously injured,” State Police said.
State Police deployed a K-9 unit and an Air Wing as the Audi continued through Holyoke, driving at speeds above 100 mph, the statement read. One trooper carrying a Star Chase tracker, designed for vehicle pursuit, was allowed to tag the car as it drove down the southbound side of I-91.
“Unfortunately, those efforts proved unsuccessful,” State Police said.
State Police also tried to use speed sticks near Exits 9 and 8, but the pursuit was terminated due to the safety of highway workers, State Police continued. The driver kept going and is believed to have headed into Connecticut.
While State Police will conduct a follow-up investigation, they ask that any information about the driver be sent to public safety officials at the Dover, Vermont, Police Department.
The Audi continued past the detail setup and State Police believe it traveled into Connecticut. State Police will conduct a follow-up investigation in support of the Vermont case.
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