Connecticut State Police searching for wanted suspect who dragged Massachusetts trooper

[Desmond Milligan 0]

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — State police are on the hunt for a fleeing suspect out of Vermont, believed to have traveled to Connecticut in a black Audi after allegedly dragging a trooper in Massachusetts following a domestic incident.

Vermont authorities identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mason L. Payne.

According to police, the domestic incident happened in Dover, Vt., around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities said they responded to the report of a domestic assault allegedly involving an unspecified weapon.

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Payne’s last encounter was with a trooper during a traffic stop around 10 p.m. Tuesday in Holyoke, Mass., on Interstate 91 near Exit 15, when he allegedly dragged the trooper several feet with the vehicle while attempting to flee.

Massachusetts State Police deployed a K-9 unit and air wing as the car continued fleeing into Holyoke. A cruiser attempted to tag the fleeing vehicle but was unsuccessful. State police said they terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.

The trooper was not seriously injured, state police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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