Norfolk County DA says Shooting of Stolen Police Cruiser Suspect was Justified

by | Aug 20, 2021 | News

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey says an investigation has been completed into the police-involved shooting of a man who stole a Rockland Police cruiser.

On March 26th, a State Police officer shot 37-year-old Eric Leach in Quincy after he left the cruiser holding a patrol rifle.

Morrissey says the shooting was justified as a matter of law.

The incident began in Rockland, after Leach used a handgun to rob a 7/11 on Market Street shortly after 6 a.m. He fled with $300 towards Highland and Prospect Streets. He evaded officers and stole an unlocked police cruiser on Brookside Road.

A multi-town chase ensued, injuring two police officers. The cruiser became disabled on the Burgin Parkway in Quincy. Leach had access to a loaded rifle, with 30 rounds in it.

Leach told officers he would rather die than be taken into custody, and would kill officers.

He restarted the cruiser, but was stopped near the B.J.’s gas station on Quincy Street.

After an hour, he attempted to exit the vehicle, raised the rifle, and an officer fired one round. Medics provided aid, and Leach was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  

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