Trooper shot, suspect killed in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) - A Massachusetts State Police Trooper was shot and a suspect was killed Thursday morning during a gunfight on Shawmut Ave. in New Beford.

The incident began around 6 a.m. at 21 Shawmut Ave. near Campbell St.

The trooper, who is part of the the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team, was attempting to execute a search warrant for illegal drugs when, according to investigators, the suspect identified as Tom Garnett shot the trooper through the wall next to the front door.

Police said the trooper, who was wearing body armor, was not hurt and was able to return fire, killing the suspect.

Neighbors said they heard about 12 gunshots during the exchange. They also said they saw police take a woman away from the scene.

"And then all of a sudden I heard 12 shots, like boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, right in a row," said Brenda Lagasee.

"He didn't even know that he got hit until they checked his equipment at a later time and found out that he was hit," said Lt. Stephen O'Reilly.

Police say Garnett's girlfriend and her disabled son were also inside the residence at the time of the shooting.

The incident remains under investigation by the State Police Force Investigation Response and Support Team, State Police detective units, and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.

State police use the STOP Team when intelligence suggests that suspects inside targeted locations may be in possession of weapons.