Massachusetts State Police Troopers exchange gunfire with suspect resulting in fatality

The District Attorney and members of his office will be conducting an investigation into the use of force in a fatal, officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday morning.

According to the Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Massachusetts State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Springfield Police Department assigned to the Gaming Enforcement Unit, responded to a reports of 48-year-old male acting aggressive to others and possibly armed with a firearm within the MGM Casino. Investigators attempted to locate the individual as he was leaving the casino heading in the direction of Main and Union Streets.

The initial stages of the investigation show a foot pursuit ensuing when contact was made with the individual. During the pursuit shots were fired and exchanged between the individual and responding officers. The individual was struck during this exchange resulting in officers requesting an ambulance and rendering medical aid. The individual was transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he later passed away.

The District Attorney will determine whether the use of force was appropriate, and whether criminal charges are warranted.

The review will consist of assembling all available evidence, such as: body worn camera footage, public and private video recording systems, witness statements, investigative reports, 9-1-1 calls, and dispatch logs.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts stated that none of the Troopers sustained injury when faced with an armed suspect who fired numerous rounds at the Troopers.

“These Troopers, under threat to their own lives, acted courageously while under fire. The response by these members is a clear demonstration of the continuous professionalism exhibited by the membership of the State Police Association of Massachusetts.”

Patrick McNamara, President of the Association said earlier today, “A critical incident is never easy. Our members go to work every day in service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. None of our members go to work expecting or wanting to discharge their firearm. This morning’s incident in Springfield is another example of the dangers our members face daily, and we are thankful the involved Troopers are safe, uninjured, and able to go home to their families. As more details are released regarding the incident itself, we are confident it will become clear that our members reacted as they are trained and expected to.”

This incident is being actively investigated by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department’s Detective Bureau.