VIDEO: Update from Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early on Vanessa Marcotte's Homicide in Princeton.

Good afternoon,

We've made some progress in the case. I have a brief statement in Vanessa Marcotte's homicide.

K9 Dakota displays the Versatility of State Police Canines

On Wednesday August 17th, Trooper Steve Barnes and K9 Dakota were assigned to assist the Norwood Police Department with a demonstration at their Summer Youth Academy. While in Norwood and before the demonstration commenced, Norwood Police were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a wanted sex offender when he fled back into a residence and hid in an unknown location. Trooper Barnes responded with Dakota to assi...st. To complicate matters, the house the suspect was hiding in was filled from floor to ceiling with hoarded goods. Trooper Barnes deployed Dakota on a building search. Dakota was able to locate the suspect hiding in the basement and he was taken into custody by Norwood Police without incident. Trooper Barnes and Dakota then reported to the Coakley Middle School and completed their demonstration for the Norwood Police Summer Youth Academy. K9 Dakota is also one of the K9 Unit’s three certified cadaver detection canines.

Massachusetts State Police Boxing Team

The State Police Boxing Team has two big things coming up quick and they are both to benefit the Trooper Thomas Clardy Family Fund.

They are selling raffle tickets to win one of three Harley Davidson motorcycles, which will be drawn at the 40th anniversary boxing match on September 16th. Tickets are still available for the show!

Current events have reminded us of the safety threats and the political and social challenges we, in Law Enforcement, face each day. Every now and then we are also reminded, through simple acts of gratitude and kindness, what makes our jobs so special.

In July, Madison DiGrigoli of Lenox made a special delivery to the State Police barracks in Lee. Madison, who is going into the 4th grade this September, wanted to do something nice for her local police departments during h...er summer vacation. She said simply, “The police do a lot for people” and she wanted to show her gratitude.

2016 Boston Strong Memorial Basketball Tournament

MSP took the trophy home again this year in the annual event. The tournament is a two day, double elimination basketball tournament to benefit The Officer Sean A. Collier Self Sponsor Scholarship.

Pictured here is Trooper Nick Neczypyr and Trooper Scott MacDonald with the championship trophy. The trophy was presented by Sean Collier's sister.

Two Arrested Trafficking Cocaine in Sturbridge

Today, Trooper Sergio Figueiredo of the State Police Sturbridge Barracks stopped a vehicle on Interstate 84 in the town of Sturbridge for a motor vehicle violation.

As a result of an investigation, with the assistance of Trooper Nicholas Dumas, both occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of approximately 85 grams of Cocaine.

Noteworthy K-9 Activity

K9 Alex Apprehends Suspect Fleeing Domestic Assault and Battery in East Brookfield

On Tuesday August 9th around 5:30 p.m., East Brookfield Police Department responded to a domestic assault and battery. On arrival, officers engaged the suspect in a foot pursuit. The suspect was able to elude officers and K9 assistance was requested. Tpr. Jeff Johnson responded. While on scene, an alert witness motioned and mouthed to Trooper Johnson that the suspect ...was in a nearby back yard. Trooper Johnson deployed K9 Alex in the backyard. Alex acquired a scent and began tracking through the back yard and out to the street. Alex continued tracking up the street entering and exiting backyards along the way. Further up the street in the direction the team was tracking Trooper Johnson observed three men in a front yard. A man in the group started yelling and pointing at another man “He’s right here!” The suspect then ran from the group into a back yard and onto a secluded logging road. Trooper Johnson and Alex pursued the suspect making several commands for the suspect to stop or the dog would be released. The suspect continued to run and Alex was sent on an apprehension and caught the suspect further up the road. The suspect continued to struggle with Alex until Trooper Johnson and Brookfield officers were able to catch up and take the suspect into custody. The suspect was turned over to East Brookfield officers and charged with domestic assault and battery on a household member, Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Noteworthy K-9 Activity

K9 Cayman Locates Suspect who Fled Crash in Barre

On Friday August 5th around 1:30 a.m., Barre Police Department requested K9 assistance in searching for a person that fled from a crash. Trooper George Demos of the K9 Unit responded. After speaking with Barre officers on scene, K9 Cayman was deployed from the vehicle and acquired a scent. Cayman tracked into the woods approximately 125 yards where he showed a change in behavior and intensity pulling... across a river. On the other side of the river, Cayman pulled over to an area of thick vegetation and began to alert (barking). Tpr. Demos requested anyone hiding to come out. Shortly thereafter, a man who was hiding yelled that he surrendered and revealed himself. He was taken into custody without incident and handed over to Barre Police. The man was charged with OUI, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Christmas in August

This afternoon, Diamond Express of East Boston sent over a truckload of toys in support of the annual Toys for Tots program.

Matthew Beaudoin of Diamond Express, Frank Robles of the State Police Fleet Section, and Trooper Peter Morawiak braved the 100 degree heat to offload the toys for their December distribution.