Officials ID ‘armed, dangerous’ suspect wanted in shooting of trooper on Cape Cod

HYANNIS, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities on Tuesday identified the 35-year-old suspect who is wanted on an armed assault with intent to murder charge in connection with the shooting of a state trooper on Cape Cod last week.

Trooper John Lennon, who graduated from the State Police Academy in May, was shot by Andre Sterling during a traffic stop on Camp Street in Hyannis around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, according to Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason.

“This suspect had no problem shooting a law enforcement officer to escape scrutiny or capture,” Mason said during a news conference. “He has also demonstrated a willingness to use a gun against whomever he deems it necessary.”

Lennon, 28, was taken by another trooper to Cape Cod Hospital before being taken to a hospital in Boston for additional treatment.

The bullet wounded Lennon’s hand but a ballistics vest stopped it from striking his shoulder.

“Without that vest, we could be talking about a far more tragic incident,” Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael D. O’Keefe said.

Mason warned the public that Sterling should be considered “armed and dangerous” because investigators have not yet recovered a firearm.

Sterling has a history of using false names and providing fake documents, according to Mason.

There is a possibility that Sterling has since traveled outside of Massachusetts, O’Keefe noted.

Sterling is described as being 5 feet, 11 inches tall, about 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

After the shooting, investigators found Sterling’s abandoned car parked at a nearby apartment complex.

Dozens of police officers lined the Bourne Bridge on Monday to salute Lennon as he made his way home from Massachusetts General Hospital.

A GoFundMe page set up for Lennon has raised more than $130,000. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Anyone with information on Sterling’s whereabouts is urged to contact 1-800-Kapture.

An investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.

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