Man arrested on gun, drug charges
By Steve Annear
Thu Apr 10, 2008, 12:22 PM EDT
Plympton - A West Street man is in jail after allegedly assaulting a
police officer investigating a hunting complaint Tuesday night. The
subsequent investigation led to a variety of additional charges. Around
12:30 a.m Wednesday, Edward D. Place was arrested by State Police on
numerous charges including illegal possession of firearms and
ammunition, possession of a class D substance, resisting arrest, assault
and battery on an officer, interfering with police investigation,
discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling and several hunting
code violations, according to Plympton Police.
The incident began around 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, when Officer Robert
Akin of the Massachusetts Environmental Police was conducting a
follow-up investigation on reports of possible hunting violations in
Plympton and Halifax.
Akin arrived at Place’s residence, where he witnessed a shotgun blast
coming from the rear window of the house.
After calling for assistance from Plympton Police, Akin approached
the residence and was met at the door by Place. Upon opening the door
the officer noticed an intense marijuana odor coming from the residence
and when Akin inquired about the smell, Place attacked the officer,
according to the police statement.
According to the statement, a fight ensued before Place broke free
and fled towards the nearby woods.
Moments later Plympton Police officers Robert Costa and Steve Teri,
arrived on the scene followed by Halifax and State Police.
While State Police searched the woods, Plympton officers obtained a
warrant and searched the house. During their investigation police seized
several rifles, shotguns, a pistol and ammunition, along with marijuana
and illegal steroids. Place also was in possession of several illegal
trapping devices and untagged game including deer limbs, pheasants and
other animals, confirmed Police Chief Matthew Clancy.
After hiding out in the woods for several hours, Place came out, and
was arrested and transported to the State Police Barracks in Middleboro
for booking.
Place, who is not licensed to possess firearms in Massachusetts, is
no stranger to police. In the past, Place has been arrested for various
counts of assault on police officers as well as counts of illegal
firearms charges and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon,
according to Clancy
Place was arraigned at the Plymouth District Court Wednesday morning
and is being held on $5,000 bond Bail or $500 cash bail. He is being
held at the Plymouth County House of Corrections and is set to return to
court for a May 2 pre-trial hearing.
