Wanted suspect drags Massachusetts State trooper in Holyoke

DOVER, VT. (WWLP) – A Massachusetts State Police trooper was dragged during a traffic stop on I-91 in Holyoke by a suspect wanted out of Vermont, believed to be armed with a rifle and body armor.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Morris of the Dover Police Department told 22News that an incident took place at around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers were sent to a residence for a report of a possible domestic assault involving a weapon.

The Massachusetts State Police told 22News that shortly after 10:00 p.m., troopers initiated a traffic stop on a Black Audi with temporary Vermont registration in its window near exit 15 on I-91 in Holyoke.

The driver, 23-year-old Mason L. Payne, was the subject of a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) from Vermont officials, as the driver was believed to be armed with a rifle and body armor. During the traffic stop, Payne attempted to drive off, dragging a trooper several feet with their vehicle. The trooper was not seriously injured. The driver continued throughout Holyoke, and the State Police K-9 Unit and Air Wing were deployed.

Another trooper whose cruiser was equipped with Star Chase got permission to tag the vehicle as it returned to I-91 south. The tagging was unsuccessful, however, and the chase continued with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

State Police attempted to deploy stop sticks near exits nine and eight. The chase was terminated for the safety of highway workers, as the vehicle approached a detailed setup with lane closures. The driver continued past the detail setup, and State Police believe it traveled into Connecticut.

Police in Shelton, Connecticut, state that Payne may be in the New Haven County / Fairfield County area. They are looking for an older black Audi sedan, pictured above with temporary Vermont plates.

If you see Payne or the suspected vehicle, call 911. Police say not to approach as he is considered armed and dangerous.