Suspect, victim in officer involved shooting in Easton identified

Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has announced that the suspect/shooting victim is 29-year-old Serge J. Andre Jr. of Hyde Park. Andre is currently in serious condition at Boston Medical Center.

At approximately 2 p.m. Sunday, Easton Police officers responded to Bay Road, after a homeowner reported that there was someone knocking on her door and there was a vehicle in her driveway. The man who was knocking on the resident’s door got into a vehicle when police arrived and fled the area at a high rate of speed.

Easton Police monitored the suspect from a safe distance but did not initiate a pursuit.

Just a few moments later, the suspect crashed into another vehicle on Bay Road. Neither driver was injured, but as officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect emerged and showed what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at officers.

At that time, fearing for their safety and for the safety of those around them, the officers drew their service weapons and fired at the suspect. The suspect was struck at least one time.

Once the suspect went to the ground, the two officers immediately began to render aid and called for backup. Another officer working a detail in the area responded and also helped render aid to the suspect.

Multiple ambulances were called to the scene. The suspect was taken to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

The two officers involved in the incident were uninjured and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. They have been placed on paid leave, as is the standard procedure, as the shooting is investigated.

Easton Police, late Monday afternoon, filed preliminary criminal complaints at Taunton District Court, charging Andre with Attempt to Commit a Crime-Breaking and Entering, Failure to Stop for Police, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License–subsequent offense. The defendant could potentially face further charges as a result of our ongoing investigation.

The matter remains under investigation.