A Lawrence police officer was taken to the hospital after another driver dragged him two blocks with his car during a violent traffic stop. This happened at about 7:40 pm on June 9, about 30 miles north of Boston near East Haverhill and Kendall.
According to the official report, officers only stopped the vehicle after discovering that its driver had a revoked license and the passenger was wanted on two active arrest warrants. Almost immediately after contact was made, the situation escalated.
While the officers were distracted, they didn’t notice the passenger jump into the driver’s seat and try to flee. However, as this happened, Officer Ariel Cruz became entangled with the vehicle.
What resulted was a two-block drag that ended with him sliding across the pavement and hitting another vehicle’s tires. The officer was immediately taken to a Boston hospital, where it was reported that he is in critical but stable condition.
How Did the Officer Get Caught in the Vehicle?
According to the official Facebook post from the Office of the Mayor in Lawrence, Massachusetts, “While officers were taking the operator into custody, the passenger suddenly entered the driver’s seat in an apparent attempt to flee the scene. An officer attempted to prevent the suspect from escaping and became entangled with the vehicle as it accelerated away,”
Surveillance footage reportedly captures the moment that Cruz was separated from the vehicle and slammed into the wheel of a parked vehicle. Despite how bad that sounds, he was transported to a hospital via medical rescue helicopter.
The suspect was later identified as 34-year-old Hector Rivera, who was the passenger in the vehicle who attempted to flee. This was after the car was located with nobody inside.
What Are the Charges?
Police said Rivera has an extensive criminal history and had been released from MCI Shirley prison just two months ago on April 6. Investigators also said he has known ties to Lawrence, Haverhill, and Plaistow.
Rivera is now facing multiple charges, including assault to murder, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and failure to stop for police.He is expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday in Salem, New Hampshire, before later being arraigned in Lawrence.
A nearby employee at a business in Plaistow, New Hampshire, described the arrest as dramatic, saying, “I heard banging upstairs, and I saw that some of the detectives had those battering rams, and they came down with him in handcuffs.”
Reactions to Man Dragging Officer With a Car
The mayor of Lawrence, Brian A. DePena, released a press statement that reveals additional information about the situation, as well as thanks everyone involved. He also thanked residents for the overwhelming amount of support shown to Officer Cruz and his family.
“The prayers, messages, and acts of kindness from residents throughout Lawrence and beyond have been a source of comfort during a very difficult time. Our community is at its strongest when we come together to support one another.”
It is noted that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Currently, the case still remains under investigation, and Officer Cruz is conscious and speaking with family and friends.