AUBURN, MASS. (WHDH) - Residents who heard gunshots early Sunday morning rushed out to help Officer Ronald Tarentino after he was shot during a traffic stop.
Tammy and Joseph Lemieux said they heard Tarentino yelling for help after he was shot outside their house. Tammy Lemieux said she ran outside and saw Tarentino lying in the street.
“We went and helped him,” said Tammy Lemieux. “My husband put a towel underneath and I just told him to stay calm.” As the couple comforted Tarentino, another officer showed up.
Tammy Lemieux said she did not see the suspect or getaway car because she was focused on making sure Tarentino knew he was not alone. Eventually, rescue crews arrived on scene. Tarentino was rushed to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“We’re still in shock from it,” said Tammy Lemieux. “I feel bad for the officer, I really do.”
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