Suspect arrested in Plaistow in officer injury case

PLAISTOW, NH — A suspect wanted in connection with an incident that seriously injured a Lawrence, Massachusetts, police officer has been arrested.

Hector Rivera was taken into custody without incident Thursday morning in Plaistow.

Rivera was wanted in connection with an incident on June 9 that seriously injured Officer Ariel Cruz during a motor vehicle stop in Lawrence.

The arrest was made by members of the Lawrence Police Department’s Gang Unit with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, the United States Marshals Service and the Plaistow Police Department.

Lawrence Police Chief Aguiler said investigators identified and monitored areas associated with Rivera through intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts.

“The apprehension of this suspect is the direct result of relentless investigative work and strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies,” Aguiler said.

Officer Cruz continues to recover while receiving medical care.