Police in three states are searching for a suspect believed to be armed with a rifle and body armor who struck a Massachusetts trooper and escaped into Connecticut in a high-speed chase.
Massachusetts State Police said they attempted to pull over a black Audi with a temporary Vermont registration on Interstate 91 Tuesday night around 10 p.m. near Holyoke.
Police in Dover, Vermont, had said other agencies should “be on the lookout” (BOLO) for the suspect.
Officers had been sent to a home for a possible domestic assault involving a weapon, 22News reports.
Dover Police Department Detective Sergeant Rebecca Morris identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mason L. Payne, who had fled the scene before officers arrive at the home.
When the Massachusetts troopers tried to stop the driver later that night, he fled and dragged one of the officers several feet. The trooper was not seriously injured.
The ensuing chase exceeded speeds of over 100 mph and attempts to use stop sticks failed. The state police decided to stop their pursuit as the suspect approached a road work crew with nearby lane closures.
The Audi sped by the work detail and police believe the suspect continued into Connecticut.
Police in Shelton think Payne may be in the area of New Haven County and Fairfield County.
“Payne is considered armed and dangerous and has made threats to harm law enforcement officers,” Shelton Police said in a public safety alert. “If you see Payne or the suspect vehicle, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately and provide as many details as possible.”
The FBI joined the search in Connecticut, WTNH reports.
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