Once again, I cannot thank Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger enough for their continued support of Lawrence. This is yet another example of a successful operation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lawrence Police working together. I am particularly grateful for the constant and continual collaboration with members of the State Police assigned to Troop A under the leadership of Major Pat Russolillo. I look forward to more successful operations in the future–Chief Roy Vasque
MSPNEWS
The Massachusetts State Police, Lawrence Police, and Essex County Sheriff’s Department yesterday concluded a four-night Zero Tolerance Initiative in Lawrence that resulted in numerous arrests, most for drug and motor vehicle offenses. The initiative sought to reinforce the tone that law enforcement will not abide any criminal offenses, including street-level drug crimes and motor vehicle violations, that negatively impact the quality-of-life for Lawrence residents and contribute to a sense of lawlessness as summer approaches.
Troopers from the State Police Troop A Community Action Team, State Police K9 Section, and State Police-Andover Barracks made a total of 150 arrests from Thursday to Sunday. Some defendants were charged with multiple offenses, meaning the total number of charged offenses was greater than 150.
Seventeen suspects were charged with drug offenses, most involving heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. One person was charged with trafficking heroin after being arrested with approximately 165 grams of the drug, and another with trafficking fentanyl when arrested with 75 grams of the dangerous opioid. Two people were charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and two others were charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Ten were charged with possession of heroin or cocaine.
Eighty-four people were charged with either operating a motor vehicle after license suspension or revocation or operating a motor vehicle without a license. Additionally, among those arrested were suspects charged in 64 outstanding warrants. One warrant subject who was arrested was wanted for kidnapping and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Several other warrants charged the defendants with drug offenses ranging from trafficking to simple possession.
Two people were arrested on out-of-state outstanding charges, one a suspect wanted for a firearms offense in Maine, the other wanted for stolen motor vehicle and child endangerment charges in Florida.
An additional eight defendants were issued summonses to appear in court on various offenses.
An additional 4 arrests were made by the Lawrence Police for drinking in public, during the joint initiative.
Essex County Sheriff’s officers booked prisoners immediately after their arrests, allowing Troopers and Officers to return to their patrols quickly to continue their enforcement activity.
–30–