A Massachusetts state trooper was shot and injured while responding to a call in Springfield late Thursday night.
The trooper was responding to a detection of shots fired in the area of Stafford Street just before 11:20p.m. and was shot when as he turned onto Nursery Street, according to State Police.
According to state police, a Springfield officer also responded to the scene. Two shots were fired at their cruisers.
Police say one of the bullets apparently went through the trooper's cruiser while he was sitting inside and struck him in the leg.
According to police, the Springfield police officer came to the troopers aid until EMS arrived.
According to police, the suspect fled but was found and arrested minutes later following a foot chase. Police have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Christopher Gardner of the Springfield area.
Gardner faces multiple assault and firearm-related charges.
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The trooper was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries and was released shortly afterwards.
Authorities have not released the name of the trooper but say he is 26-years-old and assigned to the State Police-Springfield Barracks. He graduated from the State Police Academy in May.
"Last night’s shooting once again underscores the dangers faced on any given shift by Massachushetts State Troopers and all police officers who protect our communities," Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachushetts State Police said in a written statement. "Again we are reminded — as if any reminder was necessary— that no tour of duty is routine or predictable for law enforcement officers."
The incident is under investigation.
