Lowell Man Arraigned After Police Chase And Shooting

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a Lowell man was arraigned today in court following his arrest on Friday, January 16, after a police chase and shooting in Lowell.

Christopher Bischoff, 32, of Lowell faces charges of armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, operating with a suspended license, and failure to stop for police.

Lowell District Court Judge Ellen Caulo set bail at $10,000 cash and revoked bail for the defendant’s two pending cases. Bischoff’s next scheduled court date is February 19.

“Every day police officers put their lives on the line for us,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Ordinary routine actions by officers can escalate very quickly. In this situation, a police officer was attempting to pull a vehicle over when the driver instead took off. The defendant allegedly led police on a chase and minutes later the defendant allegedly rammed the patrol car with the stolen vehicle. It is fortunate that the officer and innocent citizens were not hurt.”

Lowell Superintendent of Police William Taylor added, "We are very fortunate the officer was not seriously injured as a result of assault. The officer acted quickly to stop the threat and to protect the citizens of Lowell."

Authorities say Bischoff was driving a stolen pickup truck on Bellevue Street in Lowell at approximately 8:20 p.m., on Friday, January 16, when a Lowell police officer attempted to stop the vehicle. Rather than pulling over, the police officer says Bischoff sped off and when Bishchoff did stop the stolen vehicle, he put the truck in reverse near 51 Bellevue Street and rammed the police cruiser causing extensive damage to the police cruiser’s front end. Authorities say the police officer then fired his weapon at the truck, striking Bischoff in the leg and shoulder. Bischoff then reportedly tried to flee but was apprehended on the same street by other officers responding to the incident.

The suspect was transported to Tufts Medical Center and was treated and then released for injuries. The police officer was transported to a hospital for observation and then released.

This incident is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police and the Lowell Police Department.