By Scott J. Croteau
masslive.com
WINTRHOP, Mass. — The retired Massachusetts State Police trooper who was fatally shot by a suspected gunman Saturday in Winthrop has been identified by authorities as David L. Green.
In a statement Sunday, State Police Col. Christopher Mason said family and friends are mourning the loss of Green and the woman who were both fatally shot Saturday by the gunman.
“The families of two innocent bystanders today are mourning the killing of their loved ones by the assailant in Winthrop yesterday,” he said. “We at the Massachusetts State Police are also mourning the loss of a member of our family. The victim who was murdered outside his Beach Road home, David L. Green, was a retired MSP Trooper who had an honorable 36-year career in law enforcement.”
Green become a Metropolitan District Commission Police Officer in 1980 and became a Massachusetts State Trooper 12 years later when the MDC Police were merged into the MSP.
Green was assigned to the State Police-Boston Barracks at Leverett Circle for most of his career. He retired on Dec. 31, 2016.
“Trooper Green was widely respected and well-liked by his fellow Troopers, several of whom yesterday described him as a ‘true gentleman’ and always courteous to the public and meticulous in his duties,” Mason said. “From what we learned yesterday, he was held in equally-high regard by his neighbors and friends in Winthrop.”
Mason continued to say, “Trooper David Green more than upheld the ideals of integrity, professionalism, and service to others that are the hallmarks of a great Trooper. We are heartbroken by his loss and offer our condolences to his family and friends. “
Around 2:45 p.m., a large truck crashed into a building near the intersection of Shirley and Cross streets in Winthrop. At that time, police received reports of shots fired, according to a statement from Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty.
Police responded to the area. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was fatally shot by police.
The gunman shot Green and a woman. Both of their wounds were fatal. The woman has not been publicly identified.
The retired state police trooper may have been trying to stop the gunman, authorities said.
Authorities said the officer who shot the gunman was placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure.
“A preliminary investigation indicates that the male suspect allegedly stole a box truck owned by a plumbing and drain company and then crashed into a residential building on Veterans Road,” police said. “Following the crash, the suspect emerged from the truck and fled on foot. At some point shortly thereafter, the suspect, who was armed with a firearm, is believed to have shot the two adult victims.”
The suspect was armed with about two weapons, officials said.
Delehanty during a brief press conference said the first victim was found on Shirley Street, about half a block away from the crash scene. The suspect engaged the second victim in an alleyway between two houses, the police chief said.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
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