Local Breaking Police News
24 hours ago
DA opposes parole decision for 1993 Springfield shooter, claims he hasn’t changed
A 48-year-old man was granted parole after he pleaded guilty in connection with a Springfield shooting when he was 17. But the Hampden District Attorney’s Office disagrees with the decision, arguing he hasn’t earned it.“This individual was convicted of second-degree murder – a crime that took a life and forever altered others,“ District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in a statement to MassLive. “Some offenders pay their debt to society and demonstrate genuine remorse and reform in the process. Mr. [Rockland] Baines has not.” On Nov. 25, 1993, Rockland Baines attended a DJ competition at the Panache Club in Springfield. The competition featured competitors from Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield.
24 hours ago
Person hospitalized after car versus tree crash in Westborough
One person was brought to the hospital in Westborough after a crash happened overnight into Wednesday. The crash, which happened on Lyman Street near the Three Gorges restaurant, appeared to involve a black four-door vehicle, according to a post on X from the Westborough Fire Department. The car collided with a tree, which caused a large piece to break off and come crashing to the ground, an image from the scene showed. The front end of the vehicle appeared smashed and the windshield shattered. One of the people who was inside the car was brought to a nearby hospital, the fire department said. The Westborough Police and Fire Departments did not immediately respond to MassLive for comment.
1 day ago
Boston Red Sox prospect ‘just a big, strong animal,’ breakout candidate
BALTIMORE — Red Sox prospect Justin Gonzales showed his raw power as a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League last year. He slugged .517 with five home runs, 11 doubles and four triples in 47 games (192 plate appearances).But Boston feels the right-handed hitter has more power potential and the development staff is working to get him to elevate the ball more. “He’s obviously got a physical advantage right now because he is like 6-6 and just a big, strong animal,” assistant GM Eddie Romero said here at Camden Yards on Monday.Gonzales is a Red Sox prospect breakout candidate in 2025. He’s expected to begin this season at extended spring training in Fort Myers, then play for the Florida Complex League Red Sox.He has the potential to climb up the organizational rankings this summer. MLB Pipeline already has him ranked No. 15 in the system and noted, “He generates huge exit velocities with his quick right-handed swing and prodigious strength, and his promise as an all-around hitter offers additional intrigue. He posted very good non-chase and contact rates in the DSL.”Baseball America does not yet list him on its Top 30. MassLive ranked him No. 25 on its preseason Top 25 Red Sox prospect list. The Red Sox are trying to get him to hit the ball in the air more consistently. Romero said, “He’s really taken well to the training.” “He’s a big, strong kid already who has a good feel to hit, a good feel for contact. So we just need to make a couple of minor adjustments on his launch angles and things like that,” Romero said. “And those really low line drives, we can start getting him to elevate it a little bit more and more and find some gaps.”Boston signed Gonzales for $250,000 out of the Dominican Republic as an amateur international free agent Jan. 15, 2024.He said in September that he expects to grow more. His father is 6-4 and his mother is 6-3.For such a young hitter, he has an impressive, patient approach. He batted .320 with a .391 on-base percentage in the DSL and he had almost as many walks (19) as strikeouts (20). He likes to hit to all fields and he strives to play with the same hustle and passion as superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. does.Gonzales — who the Red Sox named their 2025 Latin Player of the Year — plays both the outfield and first base.MLB Pipeline grades his arm a 70 (plus plus) on the 20-80 grading scale. “He’s really intriguing overall,” Romero said. “I know that we’ve played him some in center field throughout the spring and we’ll do that in extended some and kinda go from there. But give him every chance. If not, he can definitely profile in a corner.”‘Legit five tools’Keep an eye out for the Red Sox’ top two 2025 amateur international prospects, Dorian Soto and Harold Rivas. They should play this season in the DSL. Soto is 17. Rivas will turn 17 in May.MLB Pipeline ranked the 6-foot-2, 177-pound Rivas the No. 32 prospect for the 2025 international signing period. It noted in his scouting report, “His bat speed is consistently above the Major League average, checking in around 75-76 mph, while also producing exit velocities consistently north of 100 mph.”“We knew he had above average bat speed,” Romero said. “I think with the strength gains that he’s made already, we’ve seen that improve. And with that, the quality of contact has also improved. So when we were scouting him, we saw that he had a good basis to work from. And then just a dynamic player, somebody we thought had potential for legit five tools.”MLB Pipeline also noted that Rivas, a center fielder, has five-tool potential and wrote that “one evaluator bestowed a George Springer comp.”“He’s an outstanding defender,” Romero said. “He can throw. He’s a really good runner. Plus runner. And so the fact that he’s making these strides on the offensive side are really impressive.”MLBPipeline ranked Soto the No. 8 overall prospect for the 2025 international signing period. Boston inked him Jan. 15 to a $1.4 million bonus.Listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, MLB Pipeline grades Soto’s hitting 60 (plus) and his power 55 (above average).“Another like kind of physical guy. Advanced physically,” Romero said.Romero said the Red Sox will keep him at shortstop right now. Scouting reports have said he might eventually need to move off shortstop as he continues to grow.“I want to try to do everything we can to keep him there,” he said. “Just a guy who’s just really talented and can do a lot of things at a young age. He’s a switch hitter. He’s got thump. Working on some bat-to-ball training with him now. But just the kid that he gets after it. Gets after it in the weight room. Gets after it in fundamentals.“They have a really healthy competition between the guys like him and Rivas and (fellow 2025 international signee) Hector Ramos and a couple other guys,” Romero added. “So it’s been good to see these guys have that camaraderie and that work ethic right off the bat. But he’s a guy that early on, he’s driving the ball a lot from both sides. It’s a guy who’s got impact potential. We just see if with the training and the work ethic and all that, we can kind of wrap it all up together and see where it goes.”BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
1 day ago
How Bruins’ loss to Capitals affects draft position, playoff elimination
The Bruins moved into a top-five draft position and closer to officially being eliminated from the playoffs after Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to Washington.At 30-36-9, the most points the Bruins can get to is 83 if they won their last seven games. Currently, the only team in playoff position with fewer points is the Montreal Canadiens, who have 79. If Montreal or anyone else gets to 84 points, the Bruins would be out regardless of how they do in their last seven games.On the flip side, if the standings remain unchanged, the Bruins would go into the draft lottery with the fifth-best odds of picking first. Here are the bottom six teams in the NHL, who have the best chance to finish with the No. 1 draft pick......................GP—W—L—OT—PtsBuffalo.........74—32-36-6—69Boston.........75—30-36-9—69Seattle.........75—31-38-6—68Nashville......75—27-40-8—62Chicago........74—21-44-9—51San Jose......74—20-44-10-50Here’s how the lottery works:NHL Draft Lottery rulesAll non-playoff teams are in the lottery.“There will be two drawings, one for the No. 1 pick and one for the No. 2 pick. Once the top two picks have been determined, clubs will be slotted in reverse order of their finish in the regular-season. Teams only can move up 10 selections if it wins one of the lottery draws, a change announced by the NHL on March 23, 2021. Only the top 11 teams in lottery are eligible to receive the No. 1 selection.If a team outside of the top 11 wins the first draw, the team with the worst record would get the No. 1 pick and the winner would move up 10 spots.BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
1 day ago
Mass. man will spend $25K a year for life lotto prize on ‘Hoka’ sneakers
A man from Massachusetts who won $25,000 a year for life on Thursday is keeping it simple with his prize — all he’s looking for is a new pair of kicks.Brian Jansky, of Hingham, won $25,000 a year for life during the “Lucky For Life” drawing held on March 25, after the first five numbers on his ticket matched the balls drawn.Jansky chose the cash option when he claimed his prize on March 27, and received a one-time payment of $390,000 before taxes.He told the lottery he wants to buy a pair of “Hoka” sneakers and save the rest of his winnings. Jansky bought his winning ticket at Richdale Food Shops, located at 181 South St. in Hingham. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
1 day ago
WMass Boys Volleyball Top 10: Westfield, Agawam earn top spots
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1 day ago
2025 Boys Volleyball Super 7: Four schools represented on list
Westfield's libero Nolan Rodgers (1) slides to make the dig. Westfield High School defeated Springfield Central 3-1 in the team's season opener on Thursday.(BILL DEREN / THE WESTFIELD NEWS)The Westfield News.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}MassLive announced its seasonal Super 7 selections for boys volleyball on April 2. Aleksander Bak, West SpringfieldIf you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
1 day ago
Final $4 million prize claimed in this $10 game by Mass. lottery player
The last remaining $4 million grand lottery prize in a $10 scratch ticket game sold in Massachusetts was claimed on Tuesday.The $4 million prize was from “$4,000,000 Diamonds,” a $10 game released in April 2023. This was the fourth and final $4 million grand prize remaining to be claimed in the game. Two $1 million prizes also remain to be claimed as of April 2.The winning grand prize ticket was sold in Lowell at Lucky Corner MarketA $1 million prize was also claimed by a lottery player on Tuesday from a winning “$2,000,000 Diamond Cashword” ticket they bought in Springfield at a Pride Station & Store.Additionally, two $100,000 prizes were won or claimed in the state on Tuesday. One of the prizes was won during the daily “Mass Cash” drawing. The winning numbers for the drawing were 2, 3, 15, 19 and 20.The winning ticket was sold at Jimmy’s Market in Stoughton.The other $100,000 prize was claimed from a “300X” scratch ticket sold in East Bridgewater at the Tri Town Convenience & Liquor store. Overall, at least 594 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Tuesday, including 15 in Springfield, 15 in Worcester and 95 in Boston.The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.So far, the largest lottery prize won in Massachusetts this yearwas worth $1 million a year for life.The prize was from the lottery’s “Lifetime Millions” scratch ticket game. The winner claimed their prize through a trust on July 10, and opted to receive a one-time payment of $15.4 million.
1 day ago
Val Kilmer, iconic ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever’ actor, dies at 65
Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65.Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press. The Times was the first to report his death on Tuesday.Val Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies.“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” he says toward the end of “Val,” the 2021 documentary on his career. “And I am blessed.”Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. His break came in 1984’s spy spoof “Top Secret!” followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including “MacGruber” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”His movie career hit its zenith in the early 1990s as he made a name for himself as a dashing leading man, starring alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in 1993’s “Tombstone,” as Elvis’ ghost in “True Romance” and as a bank-robbing demolition expert in Michael Mann’s 1995 film “Heat” with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.FILE - Val Kilmer arrives at the 54th annual GRAMMY Awards, Feb. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)AP“While working with Val on ‘Heat’ I always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character,” director Michael Mann said in a statement Tuesday night.Actor Josh Brolin, a friend of Kilmer, was among others paying tribute.“You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” Brolin wrote on Instagram. “There’s not a lot left of those.”Kilmer — who took part in the Method branch of Suzuki arts training — threw himself into parts. When he played Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” he filled his bed with ice for the final scene to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. To play Morrison, he wore leather pants all the time, asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison and blasted The Doors for a year.That intensity also gave Kilmer a reputation that he was difficult to work with, something he grudgingly agreed with later in life, but always defending himself by emphasizing art over commerce.“In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio,” he wrote in his memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.”One of his more iconic roles — hotshot pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise — almost didn’t happen. Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott for “Top Gun” but initially balked. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” he wrote in his memoir. He agreed after being promised that his role would improve from the initial script. He would reprise the role in the film’s 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”One career nadir was playing Batman in Joel Schumacher’s goofy, garish “Batman Forever” with Nicole Kidman and opposite Chris O’Donnell’s Robin — before George Clooney took up the mantle for 1997’s “Batman & Robin” and after Michael Keaton played the Dark Knight in 1989’s “Batman” and 1992’s “Batman Returns.”Janet Maslin in The New York Times said Kilmer was “hamstrung by the straight-man aspects of the role,” while Roger Ebert deadpanned that he was a “completely acceptable” substitute for Keaton. Kilmer, who was one and done as Batman, blamed much of his performance on the suit.“When you’re in it, you can barely move and people have to help you stand up and sit down,” Kilmer said in “Val,” in lines spoken by his son Jack, who voiced the part of his father in the film because of his inability to speak. “You also can’t hear anything and after a while people stop talking to you, it’s very isolating. It was a struggle for me to get a performance past the suit, and it was frustrating until I realized that my role in the film was just to show up and stand where I was told to.”His next projects were the film version of the 1960s TV series “The Saint” — fussily putting on wigs, accents and glasses — and “The Island of Dr. Moreau” with Marlon Brando, which became one of the decade’s most infamously cursed productions.David Gregory’s 2014 documentary “Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau,” described a cursed set that included a hurricane, Kilmer bullying director Richard Stanley, the firing of Stanley via fax (who sneaked back on set as an extra with a mask on) and extensive rewrites by Kilmer and Brando. The older actor told the younger at one point: “‘It’s a job now, Val. A lark. We’ll get through it.’ I was as sad as I’ve ever been on a set,” Kilmer wrote in his memoir.In 1996, Entertainment Weekly ran a cover story about Kilmer titled “The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.” The directors Schumacher and John Frankenheimer, who finished “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” said he was difficult. Frankenheimer said there were two things he would never do: “Climb Mount Everest and work with Val Kilmer again.”Other artists came to his defense, like D. J. Caruso, who directed Kilmer in “The Salton Sea” and said the actor simply liked to talk out scenes and enjoyed having a director’s attention.“Val needs to immerse himself in a character. I think what happened with directors like Frankenheimer and Schumacher is that Val would ask a lot of questions, and a guy like Schumacher would say, ‘You’re Batman! Just go do it,‘” Caruso told The New York Times in 2002.After “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” the movies were smaller, like David Mamet human-trafficking thriller “Spartan”; “Joe the King” in 1999, in which he played a paunchy, abusive alcoholic; and playing the doomed ‘70s porn star John Holmes in 2003’s “Wonderland.” He also threw himself into his one-man stage show “Citizen Twain,” in which he played Mark Twain.“I enjoy the depth and soul the piece has that Twain had for his fellow man and America,” he told Variety in 2018. “And the comedy that’s always so close to the surface, and how valuable his genius is for us today.”Kilmer spent his formative years in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. He attended Chatsworth High School alongside future Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and future Emmy winner Mare Winningham. At 17, he was the youngest drama student ever admitted at the Juilliard School in 1981.Shortly after he left for Juilliard, his younger brother, 15-year-old Wesley, suffered an epileptic seizure in the family’s Jacuzzi and died on the way to the hospital. Wesley was an aspiring filmmaker when he died.“I miss him and miss his things. I have his art up. I like to think about what he would have created. I’m still inspired by him,” Kilmer told the Times.While still at Juilliard, Kilmer co-wrote and appeared in the play “How It All Began” and later turned down a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders” for the Broadway play, “Slab Boys,” alongside Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn.Kilmer published two books of poetry (including “My Edens After Burns”) and was nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for spoken word album for “The Mark of Zorro.” He was also a visual artist and a lifelong Christian Scientist.He dated Cher, married and divorced actor Joanne Whalley. He is survived by their two children, Mercedes and Jack.“I have no regrets,” Kilmer told the AP in 2021. “I’ve witness and experienced miracles.”
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March 27, 2025
The National Police Association Supports the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Defending Those Who Defend Our Borders
Indianapolis – March 27, 2025. The crisis at our southern border has created a range of perilous situations for American citizens, law enforcement officers, and migrants. One scenario involves traffickers who pack vehicles with illegal immigrants, then engage in high-speed chases to avoid capture. These encounters too often end tragically, claiming innocent casualties. One of these was Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who sustained injuries and subsequently died as a result of pursuing illegal migrants. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (S. 512 / H.R. 35) is a federal bill that would provide severe punishments to those who intentionally flee from law enforcement when near the U.S. border. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) on the Senate side and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. The companion bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), has already passed in the House of Representatives. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the text for the House bill is here. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act creates a new federal offense for intentionally fleeing a federal, state, or local police officer by vehicle when located within 100 miles of the U.S. border. Penalties would increase depending on the level of injuries the victim sustains. Basic evasion would translate to a maximum of two years imprisonment and a possible fine. For evasions resulting in a serious injury to the victim, the penalty would increase to five to 20 years imprisonment. If it results in the victim’s death, the penalty would range from 10 years to life in prison. Additionally, non-citizens who commit this offense would qualify for deportation and be ineligible for admittance to the U.S., even if seeking future asylum. The U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to submit a detailed annual report to congressional judiciary committees about these offenses. “Whether they work at the local or federal level, law enforcement officers place their lives at risk to prevent criminals who cross our border illegally from preying on innocent civilians. This level of sacrifice deserves support from the American people via legislative protections,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “This bill honors the sacrifice of Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life while in pursuit. It also sends a clear message to traffickers, smugglers, and other criminals that lawlessness and attacks on the men and women of law enforcement -even if those attacks are indirect- will not be tolerated. The NPA thanks Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ciscomani for crafting the Raul Gonzales Officer Safety Act, a bill that demonstrates respect for law enforcement and better protects American lives. We ask other members of Congress to work to ensure the bill’s passage. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 22, 2025
The National Police Association Supports a West Virginia State Bill to Create Harsher Penalties for Harming a Police Dog
Indianapolis – March 22, 2025. Police dogs are essential to law enforcement’s mission of maintaining order and keeping our communities safe. These four-legged heroes help locate missing people, track criminal suspects, detect drugs and explosives, and protect their human partners. Because these dogs work on the frontlines, they are subject to being assaulted and killed, just as human officers are. Thankfully, a growing number of states are recognizing that police K-9s need stronger protections, especially in an environment where officers are being targeted in greater numbers. One such state is West Virginia, where a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced to increase the penalties for harming a police dog. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Delegate Clay Riley (72), and is currently in the State’s Justice Committee. The bill’s text can be found here. Under current West Virginia law, injuring a police dog is classified either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the viciousness of the attack. The maximum possible punishment for these crimes is a sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible maximum fine of $5,000 dollars. What H.B. 2628 does is amend current West Virginia law to define an actively working police dog as a law enforcement officer. This would ensure that these animals receive the same legal protections as their human counterparts. Maliciously or intentionally assaulting a law enforcement in West Virginia is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to fifteen years, which is three times the current maximum sentence for injuring a police dog. “Police canines are public servants who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe. They’re loved by their communities, and develop strong bonds with their human partners, who are deeply impacted when one of these dogs is injured,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “Police K-9s are deserving of respect and more robust legal protections. This West Virginia state bill would go a long way in accomplishing this,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA applauds Delegate Riley for introducing this important bill that would classify police dogs as law enforcement officers, thus ensuring more stringent penalties for injuring one. We ask all members of the West Virginia legislature to support this bill, and we encourage every state in the union to adopt similar legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 21, 2025
The National Police Association #31 Toyota Spotlights Missing Person at the ARCA Pensacola 150
Indianapolis/ March 29, 2025/ — The National Police Association’s #31 Toyota, driven by full-time police officer and Rise Motorsports co-owner Rita Goulet, will feature a photograph of missing Pensacola teenager Caleb Nathaniel Cook during the ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway. The event will be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd. In a collaborative effort to raise national awareness about Caleb’s disappearance, Goulet and the NPA will use the high-profile platform of motorsports to bring attention to the case. Caleb Nathaniel Cook, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, FL, has been missing since December 7, 2024. “The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country,” said Rita Goulet. “By featuring Caleb’s image on our race car, we hope to reach a large audience and generate vital leads that could assist in finding him.” Goulet’s dual role as a police officer and race car driver allows her to uniquely connect public safety with the expansive reach of motorsports. In addition to raising awareness about Caleb’s case, Goulet and the NPA aim to promote their broader #SupportThePolice initiative during the race. Anyone with information regarding Caleb’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) at 1-850-436-9620 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The National Police Association Statement Responding to Swatting Surge
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 / — There has been an alarming rise in “swatting” incidents primarily targeting conservative media figures and social media influencers. The National Police Association denounces this weaponization of law enforcement against its own citizens and urges the media, political leadership, the public and American law enforcement to be aware of and speak out against this disturbing trend. The false reporting of a violent act in progress is a crime and should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. “Swatting” is an act of violence against both law enforcement and those being targeted. It is designed to not only physically harm people, but to drive a wedge between police officers and the citizens they are trying to protect. The NPA encourages potential targets of this crime to contact their local law enforcement agency and do the following: Explain why you are a potential victim Advise them of any “swatting” threats you receive Provide them with your cell phone number(s) Stay in touch If you see the police surrounding your property, call 911 and advise the dispatcher of the situation. Follow all directions by law enforcement until the incident has been declared over. It is essential that the public understands the extraordinarily dangerous nature of this trend. We are grateful that FBI Director Kash Patel is publicly addressing this issue and we encourage all law enforcement leadership in the United States to work together to stop and prevent these heinous acts. – Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret), NPA spokesperson The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The MN Department of Corrections Needs to Hear from You. Killer of Claremont Police Chief Up for Parole.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 /Press Release/ –The National Police Association is asking supporters of law enforcement to email the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A man convicted of murdering Claremont Police Chief Greg Lange in 1988 is scheduled for a parole hearing on April 11. Andrew Salinas, along with his brother Robert, attacked, shot, and killed Chief Lange, 39, while he was responding to a domestic disturbance. The brothers then disposed of his body in an alley. Salinas will face the parole board for the fifth time, having last appeared in 2023. Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose, a longtime advocate for fallen officers and their families through his Officer Down Memorial Podcast, has been a vocal supporter of the Lange family. “Andrew took Greg’s gun, placed it on his back—just about an inch away—and pulled the trigger, ensuring he wouldn’t survive,” Rose said. He emphasized the emotional toll these hearings take on families. “For these families, it’s brutal to go through this over and over again,” Rose stated. Sheriff Rose is urging the public to submit letters to the parole board advocating for the denial of Salinas’ release. He stressed that every letter is reviewed and considered by the board. “The board needs to understand how important it is to the public that he remains incarcerated,” he said. “We must take a stand against those who murder police officers. The Lange family was sentenced to life without a father, a husband, and a police chief. This community believes Andrew Salinas should serve no less than life in prison for his crime.” In a 2020 interview, Lange’s widow, Sue, spoke about her commitment to seeking justice. “One of the last things I promised him at the cemetery was that we would fight for justice,” she said. Letters opposing Salinas’ parole are due by March 21 and can be submitted via mail or email. Sample letters and additional details can be found on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast website. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 16, 2025
Talladega, AL Police Reserves Awarded Grant by the National Police Association
Pictured left to right: Officer Andre Golden, Interim Chief Ron McElrath, Administrative Assistant Anna Eliuk, City Manager Derrick Swanson, and Officer Jason Robinson. (Indianapolis, IN) March 16, 2025 – The National Police Association announced today it has awarded the Talladega, AL Police Department’s Reserve Program a $1000.00 grant. Police reserves perform many important functions, including preserving life, protecting property, and serving their community. Reserves uphold these responsibilities by assisting regularly appointed full-time police officers in their routine duties and supporting the efforts of other law enforcement and community organizations that share this conviction. “The National Police Association is proud to support the Talladega Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program with this donation. Reserve officers play a vital role in strengthening public safety, and we are committed to providing resources that help law enforcement agencies enhance their effectiveness in serving their communities. We appreciate the dedication of Talladega’s reserve officers and their commitment to protecting and serving.” – Spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 14, 2025
The National Police Association Backs the 287(g) Program Protection Act
Indianapolis – March 14, 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rely on the assistance of local law enforcement agencies to help identify and remove illegal migrants suspected of violent acts. Given that ICE is overtaxed, these partnerships have become even more of a necessity. A new federal bill called the 287(g) Program Protection Act (H.R. 756) would strengthen these alliances and make them more readily available to police agencies across the country. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill’s text is here. The 287(g) program -named for Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)- is a product of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This voluntary program allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into working agreements with ICE and receive dedicated training. The program has unfortunately been underutilized. Just 135 of approximately 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies currently participate in the program, and no new agreements have been generated since 2021. The 287(g) Program Protection Act would amend the INA to strengthen this crucial program, ensure that it’s working as intended, and make it widely available to law enforcement agencies across the country. This bill seeks to do the following: Require ICE to approve new agreements with state and local police agencies within 90 days of application. The agency would be required to notify Congress when it issues a denial. Prohibit the federal government from canceling current agreements with state and local police agencies unless a solid reason is provided. Agencies would be given an opportunity to challenge the decision. Mandate the Department of Homeland Security to publish annual reports describing the program’s progress. Design a plan to recruit police agencies for participation in the program. Provide funding to help local law enforcement agencies train officers and enforce the program. “Americans overwhelmingly support the removal of dangerous illegal migrants from our streets. It is an effort that requires collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “The 287(g) Program Protection Act would facilitate this endeavor by making improvements to this vital program and expanding its use,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA extends its gratitude to Rep. Cloud for introducing the 287(g) Program Protection Act. We have confidence that if this bill is passed, it would foster greater cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, which will ultimately aid in keeping our communities safe. We urge members of Congress to prioritize the welfare of the American people by supporting this bill. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org ###
March 9, 2025
Did an Anti-Police Activist Lie to Get on the Officer Brad Lunsford Jury?
Per a new court filing, the trial of former Las Cruces police officer, Brad Lunsford, who was wrongfully charged for defending himself and his partner from an armed suspect, was poisoned by an anti-police activist who managed to get on the jury through perjury. The filing alleges that “Juror #8” concealed outrageous bias before and during the trial. Misconduct that would not only eliminate the fairness of the verdict but also violate the law. The filing states Juror #8 failed to disclose anti-police social media activity, anti-police protest participation, anti-police activist group membership, and past anti-police authorship all pointing to a clear and strong bias against police. The filing can be read here. In voir dire (the jury selection process), the potential jurors were asked if they had strong feelings about a case involving a white police officer and a Black suspect – essentially probing for attitudes on police use of force and racial issues. Juror #8 stayed silent, implying they had no such bias. Per the filing, however, it was later discovered that this juror had a documented history of anti-police sentiment, which they did not reveal. For example, defense investigators found that Juror #8 had participated in protests over police shootings and even appeared on a podcast discussing racial injustice and police violence, where the juror stated that American society “is founded on racism” and continues to be racist (a viewpoint suggesting a predisposition against a police defendant). Additionally, Juror #8’s social media activity showed they had retweeted calls to cancel TV programs like “COPS” and “Live PD,” which indicates a clear negative view of law enforcement. All of these activities should have been disclosed during voir dire, especially when the court asked about any potential bias or familiarity with the case – but Juror #8 said nothing. By remaining silent, Juror #8 lied by omission to the court. If a potential juror knows they have strong preconceived opinions that could favor one side, they must alert the court. Here, Juror #8’s purported bias was directly relevant: the case involved a police officer’s use of force on a person of color, exactly the kind of scenario about which the juror had strong feelings and opinions. By concealing this, Juror #8 unfairly got onto the jury and even became the foreperson (the juror who leads deliberations). When a juror conceals bias or gives false answers during voir dire, the law provides a remedy: the verdict can be thrown out and a new trial granted. The right to an impartial jury is fundamental. Both the United States Constitution and the New Mexico Constitution guarantee criminal defendants a trial by an impartial jury. And lying to get on a jury is a crime. Prosecuting a dishonest juror would serve two main purposes. First, it holds the individual accountable for violating the law and violating the defendant’s rights. As alleged, this juror’s actions forced a defendant to face conviction without a fair jury – a very serious harm. Second, prosecution would send a message that juror misconduct has consequences, helping deter future jurors from similar deceit. In New Mexico, a conviction for perjury can result in prison time, reflecting how severe the offense is considered. Under New Mexico law and precedent, the alleged misconduct demands a new trial for Brad Lunsford and a perjury trial for Juror #8.
March 6, 2025
The National Police Association Supports New York State Bill Criminalizing the Menacing of Law Enforcement Officers
Protesters Menacing a Police Officer The war on police transcends the shootings, stabbings, and other malicious assaults that have spiked in recent years. Law enforcement officers are also subjected to being menaced, harassed, and threatened simply because of the uniform they wear. In some states, like New York, these egregious acts -that include throwing water on a police officer- do not always count as crimes under penal law. It’s why the National Police Association (NPA) is heartened by a new bill (S. 615) introduced in the New York state legislature by Sen. Anthony Palumbo to address the attacks on officers that are too often overlooked. This bill, which is currently being deliberated on in committee, creates two new criminal offenses to penalize threats, assaults, and menacing of law enforcement officers. The bill’s text can be found here. This New York state bill creates the offense of first-degree menacing of an officer, classified as a C felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is defined by knowingly placing an officer in fear of physical danger by displaying a deadly weapon. A second-degree offense, classified as a D felony and punishable by up to seven years in prison, includes assaulting an officer by throwing or spraying water, urine, or other substances. The bill also modifies the terms related to appearance tickets by listing these new offenses as serious felonies. “Menacing, harassing, and threatening officers of the law is not just disrespectful and a source of demoralization for them. Police officers have no way of knowing whether a substance being thrown at them is toxic, or if the person making the threat plans to carry it out. These shameful acts distract officers from performing arrests and investigations, which places them, their colleagues, and civilians in danger,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Sen. Palumbo’s bill addresses these often-unpunished offenses at a time when assaults on police officers continue unabated and are originating from a myriad of directions,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA commends Sen. Palumbo for recognizing that threatening and menacing creates a hazardous work environment for the men and women of law enforcement. We ask Sen. Palumbo’s colleagues to support this legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 4, 2025
The National Police Association Asks New York to Correct Dangerous Loophole in State Vehicle Law
Indianapolis, IN – March 4, 2025 – The National Police Association (NPA) endorses New York State Senate Bill S4774, introduced by Senator Christopher J. Ryan, and Assembly Bill A05953, introduced by Assemblymember Judy Griffin, for the 2025 legislative session. These bills aim to amend the penal law to include causing serious physical injury or death while operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or no license as a class E felony under vehicular assault in the second degree and establish the crime of vehicular homicide. The memo can be read here. Background: A Tragic Incident Spurs Legislative Action In July 2020, a tragic incident in Wantagh, New York, claimed the life of 20-year-old Kyriakoula (Kyra) Gasparis. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed individual who, despite the severity of the incident, received no jail time due to inadequate New York laws and judicial discretion. This profound injustice prompted Kyra’s mother, Rena Gasparis, to advocate for legislative change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Proposed Legislation: Closing Legal Gaps In response to such incidents, Senator Christopher J. Ryan of the 50th Senate District introduced Senate Bill S4774, and Assemblymember Judy Griffin introduced Assembly Bill A05953. The bills seek to amend the penal law to include causing serious physical injury while operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or no license as a class E felony under vehicular assault in the second degree. Additionally, they propose the creation of the crime of vehicular homicide, addressing cases where unlicensed driving results in fatality due to driver negligence. The Need for Reform: Ensuring Accountability and Deterrence The current legal framework in New York inadequately addresses the consequences of unlicensed individuals causing severe harm or death on the roads. Operating a vehicle without a valid license is not merely a minor infraction; it is a deliberate disregard for the law and public safety. When such negligence leads to catastrophic outcomes, the penalties must reflect the gravity of the offense. The bills aim to rectify this gap by ensuring that individuals who choose to drive without a valid license and subsequently cause serious injury or death are held accountable through appropriate felony charges. This legislative change serves multiple purposes: it delivers justice to victims and their families, acts as a deterrent against unlicensed driving, and underscores the State’s commitment to road safety. Introducing Vehicular Homicide: A Pivotal Aspect The introduction of vehicular homicide as a distinct offense is a pivotal aspect of this bill. It acknowledges the severe consequences of unlicensed driving and ensures that perpetrators face commensurate repercussions. This provision not only brings justice to victims but also serves as a potent deterrent, signaling that New York State will not tolerate such reckless behavior. NPA’s Position: Advocating for Stronger Penalties The National Police Association strongly supports these legislative efforts. “By enacting this legislation, New York State will honor the memory of individuals like Kyriakoula Gasparis and take a definitive step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future,” said Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.), spokesperson for the NPA. “It is imperative that lawmakers prioritize the passage of this bill to reinforce the sanctity of life and the rule of law on New York roads.” Call to Action: Urging Legislative Support The NPA urges members of the New York State Legislature to support and expedite the passage of Senate Bill S4774 and Assembly Bill A05953. These bills are a necessary and compassionate response to a critical issue affecting New York’s communities. By enacting this legislation, the state will take a definitive step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future. About the National Police Association The National Police Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on education and advocacy for law enforcement. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
February 27, 2025
Georgetown County, SC Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program Awarded a Grant by the National Police Association
Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office Explorers and Personnel (Indianapolis, IN) February 27, 2025 – The National Police Association has awarded the Georgetown County, SC Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program a $1000.00 grant. From their Facebook page: “Sheriff Carter Weaver and the Georgetown County Explorers Post 333 are excited to announce that they have received a grant from the National Police Association to help them buy equipment and fund trips to Explorer events and conferences. Post 333 was established in 2024 and Leaders Sergeant Tiffany Kinloch and Corporal Gene Wilson say the Explorer teens have been enthusiastic and engaged and are ready for new training and trips that this money can help fund. The GCSO Explorer Post was established in 2024 and is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in Georgetown County. The Explorers pledge to avoid drugs and alcohol and obey the laws of the state and nation. They learn about all aspects of law enforcement during their meetings, have their own uniforms, and even get to help serve at events like parades and educational events.” The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
