Massachusetts police sergeant placed on administrative leave after off-duty arrest

HULL — Chief John Dunn reports that a Hull Police sergeant has been placed on paid administrative leave as a result of an incident that took place while off duty in another community.

Sgt. Scott Saunders was arrested by Pembroke Police in that community after an incident that occurred on July 24. Upon learning of the incident and subsequent arrest, the Hull Police Department immediately placed Sgt. Saunders on leave pending the outcome of the case. His license to carry was suspended, and his badge and service weapon were taken and secured.

The Hull Police Department has also launched an internal affairs investigation regarding the alleged misconduct in Pembroke, and Chief Dunn has notified the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. These actions are standard and part of the policies and procedures of the Hull Police Department, as well as its collective bargaining agreement.

According to NBC10 Boston, Saunders was charged with assault and battery on a person who’s at least 60 years old and has a disability, causing injury. Saunders told Pembroke PD that 72-year-old Buddy Horsley raised his hands first. Horsley says he was driving when he saw Saunders carrying a paddleboard and then the board went into his car. After confronting Saunders about the damage, Horsley then stated that the incident turned violent.

Video seen by Fall River Reporter shows Saunders on top of Horsley but did not show what led up to it.

Saunders was hired by the Hull Police Department in December 2004 and has been a sergeant since 2019.