The Massachusetts state trooper involved in the violent arrest of a car chase suspect in Nashua, New Hampshire this week has been suspended with pay while the investigation into the incident continues, state police announced Friday.

Massachusetts State Police did not identify the trooper, but said he is 32 years old, assigned to the Andover Barracks, and has been with the agency since October 2011.

Broadcast station helicopters captured the Wednesday arrest of Richard Simone, 50, of Worcester, who led police on a chase from the Central Massachusetts town of Holden to Nashua, New Hampshire. Footage shows officers punching Simone, who was wanted on warrants for assault and larceny, after he appeared to surrender.


Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard McKeon called the actions of the officers involved in the arrest of Simone “disturbing” upon initial review in a statement Thursday.

A New Hampshire State Trooper has also been relieved of duty, without pay, while the state’s attorney general’s office conducts a criminal investigation into the incident.