For Immediate Release April 15, 2009                                                                                   
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325
 

Framingham Man Arraigned In Connection With Shooting Of Framingham Officer, Armed Robbery

FRAMINGHAM – A Framingham man has been arraigned in connection with an incident last evening in which he shot and seriously injured a Framingham Police Officer, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Sahr Josiah, 22, of Framingham, was arraigned today in Framingham District Court on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, armed robbery, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of ammunition with out a firearms ID card, possession of a firearm without a license to carry, second offense possession of a firearm, armed career criminal, wanton destruction of property, witness intimidation, resisting arrest, trespassing, and disorderly contact.

Framingham District Court Judge Paul Healy ordered the defendant held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 9 a.m.

According to authorities, yesterday at approximately 10:31 p.m., Framingham Police responded to a reported armed robbery of a taxi cab driver by two males at 15 Alexander Street in Framingham.  Officers confronted one of the two suspects near Avi’s Market on Beaver Street, who immediately fled. As he was pursued by Framingham Officers, he subsequently shot at and injured Officer Phillip Hurton, a five-year veteran. Officer Hurton suffered gunshot wounds to the wrist and face was taken by medical helicopter with serious injuries to Massachusetts General Hospital. 

After an extensive search of the area by Framingham, Natick, Ashland, Sherborn and Massachusetts State Police, Josiah, was arrested in the area of Beaver Street and Route 135.  The second suspect is currently still at large.  

Officer Hurton is currently listed in serious but stable condition at this time.

The investigation is being conducted by the Framingham Police. State Police Detectives from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, the State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police Troopers, K-9 and Air Wing, Transit Police, Ashland Police, Sherborn, and Natick Police Department all assisted officers on scene. 

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor who handled the arraignment was Assistant District Attorney Darina Belot.

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