VIDEO: Man, who dragged Massachusetts State Trooper while fleeing, sentenced to jail

BROCKTON – A Massachusetts man who fled from a traffic stop, dragging a Massachusetts State Trooper down the roadway, has been sent to jail, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has announced. 

32-year-old Derek Lobo of Brockton pleaded guilty Tuesday in Brockton Superior Court to one count each of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle. The Commonwealth recommended that Lobo serve three to five years in state prison. Judge Daniel O’Shea sentenced Lobo to 21⁄2 years in the House of Correction, with one year to serve and the balance suspended for two years. 

“I am thankful that this brave state trooper was not more seriously injured,” DA Cruz said. “Cases like this remind us all of the potential dangers that our first responders face every day that they put the uniform on and go out to protect us.” 

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on September 13, 2023, in Brockton. Massachusetts State Police troopers were on patrol along Montello Street when they observed a Mercedes sedan pass by with no front license plate and windows obstructed by non-transparent tint. A computerized Criminal Justice Information Services inquiry revealed the vehicle had an expired inspection sticker. The MSP troopers activated their emergency lights and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The operator of the Mercedes, Lobo, stopped the motor vehicle and the troopers approached, one on each side of the vehicle. One of the troopers returned to their cruiser to run a further computer check, while the other trooper remained with Lobo on the driver’s side. The computer record check found that Lobo’s license status was expired and non- renewable. The trooper headed back to Lobo and the other trooper. Lobo, who was wearing a black designer cross body style bag, was informed of the motor vehicle violations, and asked by the trooper to exit the vehicle, but he refused. The trooper attempted to remove Lobo from the Mercedes and Lobo accelerated at a high rate of speed with the trooper hanging onto the open door of the Mercedes. The trooper was dragged by the vehicle until he separated from the moving vehicle and was flung into the opposite lane of travel towards oncoming traffic. Due to the high rate of speed, the trooper slid 10 feet, his uniform was shredded, and he was injured as a result. The entire exchange was captured on dashboard camera video and the trooper’s body worn cameras. 

Both troopers went back to their cruiser and attempted to follow Lobo, who was travelling an estimated 80 m.p.h. through busy downtown Brockton, but the pursuit was terminated. 

Shortly thereafter, members of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section responded to 79 Brentwood Avenue, the address Lobo gave troopers. Lobo was not at the home, and troopers observed the same black Mercedes parked in the driveway. Inside the motor vehicle, troopers located the black designer cross body bag Lobo had been wearing during the motor vehicle stop. He was later located at a residence on Union Street and taken into custody. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kevin O’Leary and was investigated by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police.