Arraignment held for suspect accused of hitting, dragging state trooper on I-91
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - On Wednesday Michael Williams of Greenfield pleaded not guilty on charges stemming from the injury of Massachusetts state trooper Theodore Tudryn last Friday during a traffic stop on I-91 in Holyoke when Williams drove off, hitting Tudryn and dragging him.
Court documents obtained by Western Mass News offer more details on what exactly transpired.
First, a responding trooper states, “I heard a radio transmission from Tpr. Tudryn reported that he was just dragged by a vehicle in the northbound Holyoke rest area”
He then described the suspect taking off as quote, “The vehicle was operating in excess of 100 miles per hour and had driven off the roadway.”
We also learned from the documents that the trooper appeared to be in considerable pain and asked to go to the hospital due to injuries to his right calf.
The cruiser video was later viewed from the actual traffic stop where quote:
“Trooper Tudryn took his handcuffs out and reached towards Williams. soon after, Williams put the keys in the ignition, started the car, and put the vehicle in drive accelerating forward. Trooper Tudryn was then dragged a short distance, fell to the ground, and tumbled.”
The arraignment for Williams was delayed twice this week due to his hospitalization at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
Court documents now reveal he swallowed “a bundle of heroin” as he was being booked.
This is not the first time that Williams has faced charges. Western Mass News found his criminal history on file in Northampton.
In February 2012, he was arrested on charges of assault and battery on a police officer. Then again in November of 2020 with the same charges.Then once more, just 6 months ago, in March of 2023, with charges of operating under the influence.
For that last charge, we’ve learned his driver’s license was suspended, just 3 days before he hit the trooper.
In court, the prosecution for the commonwealth and the public defender discussed bail.
“Your honor, we have an agreement for the court’s consideration that the court set bail at 100,000 dollars without prejudice,” said the Prosecution
“I haven’t heard any arguments on that today, but I do ask that it be set without prejudice,” said the Public Defender.
The judge set a cash bail of $100,000 for Williams on Wednesday.
His next court date is October 18.
Copyright 2023. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
