LAWRENCE, Mass.- A police officer was seriously injured Tuesday evening after being dragged by a fleeing vehicle during a traffic stop in Lawrence, an incident that led to a multi-agency search and the arrest of a suspect in New Hampshire.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., when officers assigned to the Early Nights Patrol Division conducted a motor vehicle stop near East Haverhill Street and Kendall Street in Lawrence.
During the stop, officers identified the vehicle’s operator and sole passenger. Police determined the operator was driving with a revoked license and that the passenger was wanted on two active arrest warrants.
While officers attempted to detain the operator, the passenger moved into the driver’s seat in an attempt to flee the scene. An officer tried to prevent the vehicle from leaving and became entangled as the car accelerated.
The officer was dragged approximately two blocks before becoming separated from the vehicle. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to a Boston-area hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Lawrence Police Department officials said additional law enforcement resources responded to the area, and an investigation was initiated.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, authorities announced that the suspect, identified as Hector Rivera, was located and taken into custody without incident in Plaistow, New Hampshire.
Police said Rivera was apprehended through “extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance efforts, and outstanding investigative work” by members of the Lawrence Police Department’s Gang Unit, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, the United States Marshals Service, and the Plaistow Police Department.
Officer Ariel Cruz continues to recover while receiving medical care. The investigation remains ongoing.
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