Massachusetts State Trooper and Springfield officer arrest Man with firearm after struggle

Just before 10 p.m. yesterday Trooper Justin Dauplaise, assigned to the Troop B Community Action Team, was patrolling Route 91 in Springfield. As he was traveling southbound approaching Exit 11 he observed a brown Mitsubishi Outlander operating erratically while making numerous lane violations. Trooper Dauplaise caught up to the Mitsubishi as it was entering the Exit 11 off ramp and continued to observe additional lane violations. Trooper Dauplaise activated his blue lights and stopped the vehicle on Walter Street in Springfield.

After the Mitsubishi came to a stop, Trooper Dauplaise approached it and identified the operator as Darnell Engram, 33, of Chicopee. While speaking to him, Trooper Dauplaise discovered the vehicle was a rental car, rented by a person unknown to Engram. It was also learned Engram was required to wear corrective lenses in order to be driving, failure to do so is an arrestable offense. At this time Officer Cass, of the Springfield Police Department, arrived on scene to assist.

As Engram was not permitted to drive, Trooper Dauplaise requested him to step out of the vehicle. Engram stalled the requests causing Trooper Dauplaise to attempt to remove him from the vehicle with the assistance of Officer Cass. Engram stepped out of the vehicle but immediately became combative then fled the scene on foot. Trooper Dauplaise and Officer Cass were able to catch up to Engram, at which point a struggle ensued. During the struggle Engram kicked and punched in an effort to escape again. The struggle continued until a point where Engram attempted to remove the Officer Cass’s duty firearm, partially dislodging it from his duty belt. At this point Sergeant Reynaldo Bermudez arrived on scene and was able to assist securing Engram. He was placed in restraints and escorted to Trooper Dauplaise’s cruiser.

After a search of the area where the struggle took place a loaded 9mm Ruger Pistol was located. Engram was then transported to State Police-Springfield where he was booked. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $100,000. ENGRAM was scheduled to be arraigned today at Springfield District Court on the following offenses:

1. Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
2. Resisting Arrest;
3. Assault and Battery on a Police Officer;
4. Attempt to Disarm a Police Officer;
5. Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony;
6. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
7. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; and
8. Marked Lanes Violation.