Statement of DA Ryan on the Investigation into the Non-Fatal Police Involved Shooting in Carlisle in 2014

Woburn, MA – The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office have concluded the investigation into the non-fatal shooting of Donald Hall, 30 of Everett, MA. Hall was shot by two members of the Carlisle Police Department on Monday, March 31, 2014 following a crime spree that lasted 12 hours and spread over six towns. During this time Hall carjacked four vehicles, and assaulted a senior citizen, and several other victims.

A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Donald Hall revealed that Lieutenant Leo Crowe and Detective Richard Tournquist fired only after Hall assaulted each of those law enforcement officers with a firearm. The actions of uniformed Carlisle Police Lieutenant Leo Crowe and Carlisle Detective Richard Tourquist, in shooting and wounding Donald Hall were justified in the exercise of self-defense and/or defense of another. Under the circumstances, Lieutenant Crowe and Detective Tournquist acted reasonably and lawfully. Therefore, no criminal charges are warranted.

 “Our review of the facts reveals that, in the totality of the circumstances, Lieutenant Crowe and Detective Tournquist were each justified in their use of deadly force either in self-defense and/or defense of others based on their reasonable belief that both officers were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, and that no other means would suffice to prevent such harm,” stated Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

This matter is now referred back to the Carlisle Police Department for whatever further action, if any, may be deemed appropriate.

To view the full report, please click here.