BOSTON (WHDH) - A state trooper has been indicted on an assault charge stemming from a shooting incident in February 2018 during which he allegedly opened fire on an ATV rider on Interstate 93, officials said.
Trooper Matthew Sheehan was indicted on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon for being the only one of the 13 officers to open fire while responding to a report of a group of individuals acting recklessly while riding ATVs and dirt bikes on the Feb. 24, according to Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins.
Prior to the encounter, prosecutors say Sheehan retrieved his department-issued semi-automatic rifle from his cruiser and fired two shots at the ATV causing a bullet to enter the side of the ATV’s tire.
Rollins said an investigation determined the bullet clearly entered the side of the tire and not the front, indicating that the ATV was traveling parallel to Sheehan and not toward him — meaning he was not in imminent danger.
“Every day I have the honor of working with law enforcement officers who uphold the law and keep our communities safe,’’ Rollins said in a statement. “Members of law enforcement have a special role in society and overwhelmingly, these officers serve with distinction, courage and compassion for the communities they protect. Unfortunately, there are a small number whose actions are unacceptable and, as we allege here, criminal.”
The incident led to the injury of one of the operators.
Seven out of eight of the suspects riding recklessly were arrested and their cases have been resolved. One case remains open in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court.
“They are being held accountable,’’ Rollins said. “The actions of these individuals should not have prompted a trained law enforcement professional to respond with deadly force, as we allege.”
Sheehan was suspended without pay in 2018.
“The Department recognizes the seriousness of the alleged offenses contained in this indictment and will take appropriate action following, and based upon, the outcome of the upcoming judicial proceedings,” according to a spokesperson for the Mass. state police.
Sheehan is due to be arraigned on assault charges in Suffolk Superior Court on Oct. 10.
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