State troopers arrested, charged with assault after video showing officers punching driver

Two state troopers – one from New Hampshire and another from MA – have been charged in connection with the beating of a man during an arrest in Nashua in May.

New Hampshire State Police Trooper Andrew Monaco, 31, and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Flynn, 32, have both been arrested and released on their own recognizance. Monaco was charged with three counts of simple assault and released on $3,000 personal recognizance bail.

Authorities say Simone, who was wanted on multiple warrants, refused to stop for police in Holden, Mass., resulting in the pursuit that ended in Nashua.

Authorities tried to use stop sticks during the chase from MA to New Hampshire, but Simone was able to keep going all the way to Nashua. State troopers descend onto the man. They repeatedly punch him before finally cuffing and arresting him.

The incident was captured on video by TV station helicopters.

Both the Massachusetts State Police and the New Hampshire State Attorney General’s office opened investigations into the arrest and governors from both states rebuked the officers involved. When Simone got out of his pickup truck, he appeared to kneel and put his hands on the ground when at least two officers began punching him. Trooper Flynn was suspended without pay pending an investigation; the Massachusetts State Police said Tuesday that Trooper Flynn’s suspension was still ongoing.

Monaco has also been relieved of duty pending an investigation.

Foster’s office did not go into detail about what the troopers are alleged to have done during the altercation, but said the charges are “stemming from their the use of force in connection with the arrest”.

New Hampshire State Police Director Col. Robert Quinn said at a news conference after the arrest that Trooper Monaco was “immediately” taken off the state’s payroll.