Man Sought In Connection With State Trooper Shooting In Hyannis

BARNSTABLE, MA — Massachusetts State Police are trying to find a man they want to question in connection with Friday's shooting of a state trooper in Hyannis.

State police told the Cape Cod Times they are trying to find Andre Sterling, 35. Police said Sterling is a Black man standing 5 feet, 11 inches and weighing 160 pounds. There are two warrants for Sterling's arrest — both unrelated to the shooting, according to police.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Friday, Trooper John Lennon, 28, pulled over a driver on Camp Street in Barnstable, police said. Someone in the vehicle then shot Lennon in the hand and driver fled, police said. The round went through Lennon's hand and struck his ballistic vest in his shoulder area.

Moments after the shooting, Trooper Timothy Shields arrived, brought Lennon into his cruiser and rushed him to Cape Cod Hospital. He was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and released Monday.

State police Superintendent Christopher Mason commended the troopers. He said Shields "took quick and decisive action to get his wounded brother trooper to the emergency room immediately." Both Lennon and Shields graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy in May and are assigned to the Yarmouth barracks.

"Both troopers remained calm and composed in a highly stressful situation, and both did what they had to do without delay — behavior that speaks volumes about their character, courage, and the quality of their training at the State Police Academy," Mason said in a statement. "We are grateful that the outcome was not worse. Last night once again reminds us of the inherent danger that is present any time a police officer walks up to a motor vehicle or a suspect, and of the commitment to public service demonstrated by troopers and police officers who accept this risk to protect our communities from violent criminals."

Barnstable and state police were still working to identify the person who shot Lennon.