A suspect who struck a Massachusetts policeman and fled into Connecticut during a high-speed pursuit is being sought by police in three states. The person is thought to be carrying a rifle and body armor.
Around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Massachusetts State Police said that they made an effort to stop a black Audi near Holyoke on Interstate 91 that had a temporary Vermont registration.
Other agencies should be on the lookout (BOLO) for the individual, according to Dover, Vermont, police.
According to 22News, officers were dispatched to a residence for a probable weapon-related domestic assault.
Mason L. Payne, 23, who had left the scene before police arrived at the residence, was identified as the suspect by Detective Sergeant Rebecca Morris of the Dover Police Department.
Later that evening, the driver escaped and pulled one of the Massachusetts troopers several feet when they attempted to stop him. There were no significant injuries to the trooper.
The subsequent pursuit reached speeds of exceeding 100 mph, and efforts to employ stop sticks were unsuccessful. When the suspect got close to a road construction crew that had nearby lane closures, the state police opted to end the pursuit.
Police think the suspect drove into Connecticut after the Audi sped past the work detail.
According to Shelton police, Payne might be in the vicinity of Fairfield and New Haven counties.
In a public safety advisory, Shelton Police stated that Payne is armed, dangerous, and has threatened to hurt law enforcement. Do not approach Payne or the suspicious car if you see them. Give 9-1-1 a call right away and include as much information as you can.
According to WTNH, the FBI joined the Connecticut hunt.
