BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts State Police trooper who prosecutors say shot at an all-terrain vehicle driver during a confrontation on a busy Boston highway has pleaded not guilty to assault charges.
Trooper Matthew Sheehan was released on personal recognizance after entering his plea Thursday.
The Suffolk district attorney’s office says he shot and injured 28-year-old Aderito Monteiro during a confrontation with 25 ATV and dirt bike riders on Interstate 93 in February 2018.
Sheehan was one of 13 officers present but the only one to open fire. Prosecutors say he grabbed a semi-automatic service rifle out of his cruiser despite having a handgun on his hip.
Sheehan, also under investigation for what authorities call racially-tinged social media posts, has been suspended without pay.
A message was left with his attorney.
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