A Sierra Leone man already facing deportation on felony charges was arrested early Saturday morning in Springfield after allegedly firing at a Massachusetts State Police K-9 unit, according to State Police.
Police said they received a report of Mohamed Fofanah, 35, driving just 10 miles per hour on Interstate 91 southbound at 12:15 a.m.
The vehicle he was driving was wanted for hitting three separate vehicles in traffic moments earlier, according to David Procopio, a spokesman for the State Police.
Fofanah exited the highway and abandoned his vehicle after crashing again, then walked toward Main Street, Procopio said.
K-9 Trooper David Stucenski and his canine partner, Frankie, found him. When Fofanah refused to stop and surrender his weapon, Stucenski deployed the dog, police said in a statement.
Fofanah allegedly fired one shot but didn’t hit the officer or the dog, who was able to subdue him, according to the statement.
He was treated for minor injuries at Baystate Medical Center and is being charged with attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, various firearm violations, leaving the scene of property damage, and mistreatment of a police dog.
Upon further investigation after his arrest, Fofanah was found to be in the country illegally and to have multiple felony charges against him in Connecticut, Procopio said.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against him while he remains in custody at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction and awaits deportation, according to Procopio.
