New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Yesterday (March 7) at 9:15 p.m. Massachusetts State Trooper Kenneth Hanchett stopped a gray 2003 Dodge pickup for marked lane violations and operating with an expired registration on Route 391 in Chicopee. The operator produced a valid license identifying him as the owner of the vehicle. The male passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was asked for identification, he provided a name and identifying information verbally. When Trooper Hanchett returned to his cruiser and queried the information the passenger gave. Nothing came back on that information. He requested a second cruiser believing the information given was false.
As he waited for a second cruiser he observed that the passenger was looking around as if scouting the area. Trooper Hanchett then re-approached the vehicle and asked the passenger what his real name and date of birth were. The passenger again gave false information. At this point Trooper Hanchett ordered the passenger out of the vehicle. As the passenger came out of the vehicle Trooper Hanchett took his left arm at which point a struggle ensued with the passenger assaulting the Trooper and then running off.
Trooper Hanchett waited at the vehicle securing the driver until back up arrived. He was able to determine the passengers’ identity as a 26 year old man out of Holyoke; and that the passenger had 2 outstanding warrants for his arrest. The information was relayed to responding patrols.
Trooper Gerald Perwak responded to the area and began to search the Meadow Street area, stopping at the McDonald’s restaurant. Trooper Perwak observed a subject matching the passenger description sitting in the back of McDonald’s. Trooper Perwak relayed the information to the other Troopers in the area.
He then approached the passenger and asked for ID. The passenger became fidgety and stood up. As Trooper Perwak attempted to have the passenger sit back down the passenger assaulted him and ran out an exit door. Trooper Perwak followed the passenger into the Frontline Motors parking lot where the passenger was apprehended.
The passenger was transported to the Springfield State Police barracks where he was booked. Bail was denied and he was transported to the Hampden County House Of Correction.
The passenger was charged with
1. Warrant
2. Warrant
3. A & B on Police Officer
4. A & B on Police Officer
5. Resisting Arrest
6. Disorderly Conduct
7. Intimidation of a Witness
8. Failure to wear a seat belt
