Massachusetts State Police arrested a suspect who dragged a Lawrence Police Officer while fleeing a traffic stop. According to MSP, Trooper Connor Hendry was working the midnight shift out of the Andover Barracks on April 29, 2024.
Hendry heard radio traffic about a shooting near Fitz Street in Lawrence. A Lawrence Police Officer had stopped the possible suspect vehicle and was dragged a short distance when the vehicle fled.
A description of the vehicle was broadcast to Massachusetts State Police patrols in the area. Trooper Hendry began searching for the vehicle. Just after 3 a.m., Hendry located the vehicle, a white Honda, taking the ramp from Route 93 to Route 495 southbound.
Trooper Hendry and a patrol supervisor carried out a felony traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect fled on foot into a nearby swamp, but Trooper Hendry and the Sergeant managed to contain the suspect. 31-year-old Junior Arias Lara allegedly ignored commands and kept reaching into his waistband.
As Hendry approached the suspect, a struggle ensued and the suspect attempted to flee again. Eventually, Hendry and the supervisor were able to take the suspect into custody. Arias Lara was transferred to the custody of Lawrence Police. Hendry is facing charges related to the initial shooting.
He is also charged with Failure to Stop for Police, Resisting Arrest, and Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.