In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 14, 2025, members of the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Holden Barracks responded to a rapidly developing situation in the City of Worcester that began as a routine motor vehicle stop and escalated into a criminal investigation involving a reported assault, a foot pursuit, and the recovery of a stolen firearm.
At approximately 1:40 a.m., Trooper Melina L. Schilling was conducting a motor vehicle stop on Larkin Street when she was approached by a passing motorist who reported a fight taking place outside a nearby bar. Trooper Schilling immediately cleared the stop and responded to the area of Ralph’s Tavern, where a large crowd had gathered.
Upon arrival, Trooper Schilling observed a vehicle rapidly leaving the area at a high rate of speed without headlights activated. She initiated a motor vehicle stop on Shrewsbury Street. During the stop, a witness again approached and identified the occupants as individuals involved in the earlier altercation, stating that a victim had been assaulted and was bleeding.
As the investigation continued, Trooper Matthew Ward arrived on scene and was briefed on the situation. Troopers developed additional concerns after observing what appeared to be blood on one of the occupants. It was also determined that two occupants were licensed to carry firearms and acknowledged being armed.
Based on the circumstances, Trooper Ward assisted as one of the occupants was removed from the vehicle. The individual immediately fled on foot, prompting a pursuit through the Shrewsbury Street area. During the chase, Trooper Ward alerted that the suspect was in possession of a firearm before briefly losing sight of him.
Troopers later returned to the area of the pursuit and recovered multiple items discarded by the suspect, including a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson firearm, along with personal property. The firearm was subsequently confirmed to have been stolen out of Webster.
As the investigation expanded, additional responding troopers—including Trooper David Keefe and Trooper Nikita Mazur—assisted in follow-up efforts at multiple locations associated with the suspect.
Troopers first responded to an address in Charlton before continuing to a residence on Grove Street in Worcester. With assistance from community-based reporting, including information provided to Crime Trackers Massachusetts, troopers were able to locate the suspect a short time later.
Trooper Keefe ultimately observed the suspect in a driveway on Grove Street and placed him into custody without further incident, while Trooper Ward and Trooper Schilling maintained cover. The suspect was transported to the Holden Barracks, where he was booked in accordance with department procedures.
He faces multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, improper storage of a firearm, disorderly conduct, and interfering with a police officer. Bail was set at $50,000, and the suspect was unable to post.
This case remains under active investigation.
Crime Trackers Massachusetts commends the coordinated efforts of Trooper Schilling, Trooper Ward, Trooper Keefe, and Trooper Mazur, as well as the role of members of Crime Trackers Massachusetts who provided timely and critical information that contributed to the safe apprehension of the suspect.
Crime Trackers Massachusetts 