New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
A joint investigation conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, and Nashua, N.H., Police led yesterday to the recovery of 16 stolen firearms, including several semi-automatic rifles, as well as large amount of ammunition from a home in Pepperell.
Massachusetts State Police became involved in the investigation Thursday morning when the State Police-Andover Barracks began searching for two suspects wanted in connection with the recent theft of firearms in Nashua, N.H. During the early morning hours, MSP Trooper Robert Holland began investigating possible addresses connected to the suspects, eventually locating the motor vehicle used by the suspects, a Nissan Altima, outside a Dracut residence. Trooper Holland set up surveillance of the residence. A short time later, Trooper Holland developed information confirming that both suspects were in the home sleeping. Additional Troopers and Dracut Police responded to assist.
Troopers and officers then took both suspects into custody without incident on New Hampshire warrants. Suspects are identified as WAYNE SHAY, 36, of Nashua, N.H., and SHERI NAPIER, 36, of Dracut.
Subsequent investigation by Nashua, N.H., Police detectives and Troop A personnel led to information that the stolen firearms were located in a Pepperell residence. Troop A personnel, Troopers from the State Police Detective Unit for Middlesex County, Troopers from the MSP Crime Scene Services Section and Firearms Identification Section, Pepperell Police, and Nashua detectives then responded to the Pepperell address and recovered 16 stolen firearms, 17 high-capacity magazines, a 100-round drum magazine, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Recovered firearms are as follow:
– Three AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles;
– Two AK-47 style semi-automatic rifles;
– Two .357 Magnum revolvers;
– An Uzi style semi-automatic rifle;
– An M11 Tec 9 style semi-automatic firearm;
– An SKS semi-automatic rifle;
– A .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle;
– A 22 caliber AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle;
– A 16 gauge shotgun;
– A .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol;
-A 9mm semi-automatic pistol; and
– A .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
The firearms were secured by the State Police Firearms Identification Section and documented by State Police Crime Scene Services.
SHAY and NAPIER are currently being held by MSP pending arraignment in Ayer District Court as fugitives from justice on the New Hampshire warrants. State Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office expect to lodge additional charges out of Massachusetts. No further information is being released at this time.
