Southeastern Massachusetts pursuit of armed man in crisis ends without incident, charges filed

An incident over the weekend that involved several southeastern Massachusetts communities ended peacefully.

According to Tim McGuirk of Massachusetts State Police, shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night, Rochester Police advised State Police of a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a 35-year-old man who reportedly fled his residence in a Toyota Tundra with multiple firearms. State Troopers located the Toyota Tundra down the Cape on Route 28 in Dennis, followed behind it for a brief time, and initiated a traffic stop. As the Toyota entered a congested area, State Police Command terminated the pursuit, and the trooper advised that the man continued traveling on Route 28 towards Harwich.

At that time, the Department deployed the Air Wing to provide information from the sky.

As the operator continued east, Orleans Police deployed a tire deflation device that made effective contact with the Toyota’s front passenger tire. Although the Toyota continued at a low rate of speed for a short time, it eventually became disabled and stopped again. The operator abandoned the vehicle in the vicinity of Eves Way and Great Pond Road in Eastham and fled on foot.

Police chased the man for approximately 100 yards when a 30-minute standoff ensued. Despite the danger posed by the man pointing a firearm at himself and police, troopers and officers de-escalated the situation by engaging him in conversation. The man ultimately surrendered to police who placed him into custody, recovered a pistol and two shotguns, and facilitated his transport by EMS to a local hospital. Police resolved the incident with no injuries or damage to property.

State Police filed several charges against the man for his actions, including: three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm), failure to stop for police, and negligent operation. He is identified as Shawn Smalley, 35, of Rochester.