Published: 3/20/2019 4:55:55 PM
Modified: 3/20/2019 4:56:03 PM
ATHOL — On Wednesday, March 20, at approximately 8:30 a.m., K9 Officer Craig Deveneau of the Athol Police Department observed Keith Hamel who is known to have a warrant out of the State of New Hampshire riding as the passenger in a motor vehicle.
Ofc. Deveneau was able to stop the vehicle between Exchange and Church Streets and Officer Erick Fredette arrived on scene to assist.
Upon confirming the New Hampshire warrant, the officers were in the process of handcuffing Hamel when he struck both officers and ran. Ofc. Deveneau deployed K9 Gronk at this time via his remote door opener. After a brief chase, K9 Gronk apprehended Mr. Hamel.
Neither the officers nor the K9 were injured. Hamel, age 22 of 36 Prospect St., Athol, was treated for minor scrapes to his hands prior to being transported to the Orange District Court where he was expected to be arraigned on the following charges: fugitive from justice (New Hampshire); two counts of assault and battery on a police officer; resisting arrest, and possession of a Class B substance (Cocaine).