A man accused of dragging a Massachusetts State Police trooper approximately 20 feet was arrested in Fresh Hampshire early Thursday morning following an incident in East Boston.
Details of the Arrest
Binit Bikram Shah, 27, of Raymond, New Hampshire, is facing multiple charges. He is scheduled to appear in Hampton District Court. New Hampshire State Police report a felony charge of possession of controlled drugs, along with misdemeanor charges including driving under the influence of drugs or liquor, driving after revocation or suspension – a subsequent offense – operating without a valid license, possession of drugs in a motor vehicle, and contempt of court for breaching bail conditions.
Massachusetts authorities have indicated that additional charges related to the alleged dragging of the trooper in East Boston will too be filed.
The Incident in East Boston
The Massachusetts State Police pulled over Shah’s 2021 BMW 5 Series near the intersection of Central Square and East Boston just before 2:30 a.m. Thursday. The trooper discovered Shah was operating the vehicle with a suspended license. When asked to exit the vehicle for towing, Shah allegedly drove away “at a high rate of speed,” dragging the trooper between 10 and 20 feet.
Following the incident, the trooper was able to relay information leading to a BOLO alert. This allowed New Hampshire State Police to locate and arrest Shah approximately 45 minutes later.
Custody and Concerns
A New Hampshire judge ordered Shah to be held in custody Thursday. Trooper Dan Peete, a state police prosecutor, argued that “Given the multiple pursuits, the danger of the incidents that occurred last night, there is clear and convincing evidence that he is a danger to the public.”
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association praised the New Hampshire State Police’s work, calling it a “Great arrest.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Binit Bikram Shah facing?
Binit Bikram Shah is facing a felony charge of possession of controlled drugs and misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of drugs or liquor; driving after revocation or suspension, subsequent offense; operating without a valid license; possession of drugs in a motor vehicle; and contempt of court for breaching bail conditions. Massachusetts authorities will also be filing charges related to the alleged dragging of the trooper.
How did authorities locate and arrest Shah?
After the incident in East Boston, a BOLO alert was issued, allowing New Hampshire State Police to identify Shah’s vehicle and arrest him on I-95 in Seabrook, New Hampshire, approximately 45 minutes after the initial incident.
What was the basis for the judge’s decision to hold Shah in custody?
The judge ordered Shah held in custody after Trooper Dan Peete argued that Shah posed a danger to the public, citing “multiple pursuits” and the dangerous nature of the incidents that occurred.
What implications might this case have for future law enforcement procedures?
