Boston

State Police: Trooper Discharges Weapon at Group of Suspects Driving Off-Road Motorcycles, ATVs

A Massachusetts State Police trooper discharged his weapon at a large group of suspects on Interstate 93 Saturday afternoon that been "erratically and recklessly" driving off-road motorcycles and ATVs around Boston through the day in an attempt to apprehend them, authorities confirmed.

One suspect, an unidentified 28-year-old man from Randolph, Massachusetts, sustained a non-life-threatening injury as a result of the shooting. Five others were arrested and charged with various offenses as a result of the altercation. In addition, State Police seized approximately 20 motorcycles and ATVs from the scene.

Investigators said that approximately 23 to 25 individuals were riding off-road bikes, motorcycles and ATVs recklessly through Boston during the day on Saturday. Numerous 911 calls were made reporting the riders, said police.

Troopers observed the group at about 5:00 p.m. near exit 18 traveling in a dangerous manner along Interstate 93 southbound in Boston, police said.

According to police, troopers attempted to stop and arrest the group on the off ramp to the exit. During the confrontation, one trooper discharged his weapon, striking the 28-year-old suspect.

The suspect was tranpsorted to an area hospital for treatment.

Another rider who was not shot complained of pain and was also taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

A trooper who sustained a knee injury during the incident was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Police said that in addition to the five suspects arrested on the scene, the two suspects who were hospitalized are also expected to face charges.

The heavy police presence on I-93 South Saturday evening caused major delays as police responded to the scene near exit 18.

The exit was still closed as of 7:30 p.m.; all southbound lanes were open.

According to MassDOT, traffic was backed up to the Zakim Bridge at one point.

The incident remains under investigation.

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