FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY JULY 20TH 2026
MILFORD – On Thursday July 16, 2026, at approximately 8:03AM, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received information from the Northbridge Police Department that a Massachusetts State Police Trooper had enacted a motor vehicle stop of a 2026 grey Nissan Sentra in their town. During the stop, the operator Joseph Prior, 29, of Milford, put the vehicle in reverse, nearly striking the trooper before colliding with the MSP cruiser before fleeing the scene. Attempts to locate the suspect or the vehicle were unsuccessful. A warrant was later issued for Prior’s arrest. On Friday July 17, 2026, at approximately 5:22PM, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received notification that Prior was in Milford and was possibly enroute to Parkhurst Street.
Arriving on Parkhurst Street, officers located Prior on foot. When the Prior saw the Milford Police Department marked vehicles, he immediately fled towards Hayward Street. Additional arriving officers were able to intercept Prior on Hayward Street, placing him under arrest.
“The Massachusetts State Police showed great restraint in their initial motor vehicle stop interaction with Joseph Prior. I commend them for their training and professionalism in trying to deescalate without using lethal force. This is indicative of time-tested police training and tactics.” Said Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino
“I’m also grateful for the coordinated efforts of the Milford Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division to apprehend Joseph Prior without injury to the public or all those involved.”
Joseph Prior was placed under arrest and held on $10,000.00 bail on the following charges.
A&B WITH A DANGEROUS WEAPON (WARRANT)
OPERATING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE (WARRANT)
FAILURE TO STOP FOR POLICE (WARRANT)
NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (WARRANT)
UNSAFE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (WARRANT)
IMPROPER OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (WARRANT)
RESISTING ARREST
CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.