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Bodycam Shows Worcester Officer Inside Moving Car During January Stop

Police say the footage documents a struggle that prompted a slate of charges.

Overview

  • Worcester police released body-camera video from a Jan. 16 property check at 1194 Main St. that began with officers spotting drugs in a parked vehicle.
  • Police say John Slater, 23, reached in from the passenger side, started the car and told driver Sarah McMahon, 22, to go as a Worcester officer was inside giving commands to stop.
  • The officer remained in the moving vehicle for nearly a minute and ultimately shut it off, with WHDH reporting the car traveled about two-tenths of a mile.
  • Backup officers arrived and arrested Slater and McMahon; charges include assault and battery on a police officer, attempting to disarm an officer and possession of a class B substance (crack cocaine), with WHDH reporting additional counts such as assault to murder and kidnapping.
  • Police report the officer in the car was injured, as was another officer who was struck by the open door as the vehicle reversed.