Massachusetts State Police looking for public’s help to catch suspect in highway shooting

The Massachusetts State Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a shooting incident last night.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, a 26-year-old woman was driving north on Route 1 in Peabody in a Mercedes sedan when a grey Toyota SUV began tailgating her vehicle. The driver of the Toyota subsequently began to drive even more aggressively and tried to pass the Mercedes. When the Toyota came up along the passenger side of the Mercedes, in the area of the Holiday Inn on Route 1 north, the operator of the Toyota shot at the Mercedes with a firearm. The driver of the Mercedes, the car’s sole occupant, was not injured. MSP documented and recovered ballistics evidence, including from inside the passenger compartment of the Mercedes.

Procopio stated that evidence suggests the suspect is a black male, approximately in his mid-20s, with a short “buzz cut” hair style and who was wearing a black shirt. He had a female passenger with him in the Toyota. She is believed to be white, approximately in her mid-20s, with blonde hair. The shooter’s vehicle is believed to be a gray Toyota SUV with a Florida registration plate.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the occupants of the Toyota is asked to contact Trooper James Maloney of the State Police-Danvers Barracks 978-538-6161.

Troopers from the barracks were assisted on scene by members of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section and Ballistics Unit, as well as Peabody Police.