Milford Man Charged After Hitting State Police Cruiser During Traffic Stop: PD

MILFORD, MA —A Milford man is facing charges after a Massachusetts State Police cruiser was hit during a traffic stop, according to Milford police.

Joseph Prior was wanted in connection with a traffic stop in Northbridge on Thursday morning, where police said he nearly struck a state trooper and hit a vehicle before fleeing. He was arrested on Friday evening after Milford police received information that he was in town and possibly heading toward Parkhurst Street.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, a Massachusetts State Police trooper stopped a 2026 gray Nissan Sentra in Northbridge, according to Milford police. During the stop, Prior put the vehicle in reverse, nearly hit the trooper, struck the state police cruiser and fled, police said.

Police were initially unable to find Prior or the vehicle. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.

On Friday, Milford officers went to Parkhurst Street and found Prior on foot, police said. When Prior saw marked Milford police vehicles, he ran toward Hayward Street, where additional officers intercepted him and arrested him.

“The Massachusetts State Police showed great restraint in their initial motor vehicle stop interaction with Joseph Prior,” Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino said in a statement. “I commend them for their training and professionalism in trying to deescalate without using lethal force. This is indicative of time-tested police training and tactics.”

Tusino also credited the Milford Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division for arresting Prior without injuries to the public or those involved.

Prior was held on $10,000 bail, according to police. He faces warrant charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, operating with a suspended license, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, unsafe operation of a motor vehicle and improper operation of a motor vehicle. He was also charged with resisting arrest.

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