Crime & Safety

Man Indicted on 5 Charges After 'Bull Rushing' Cop

Corey J. Welch, 23, had drugs on him when he allegedly tried to escape arrest by forcibly knocking down a police officer.

A Dracut, Mass., man who charged at a Salem police officer who was arresting him in July has been indicted on felony attempted escape, simple assault and drug charges by a Rockingham Superior Court grand jury.

Corey J. Welch, 23, of 204 Nashua Road in Dracut, faces between 2 and 5 years in jail if convicted on the extended term of imprisonment simple assault charge and undisclosed time for the other charges, which stem from events that transpired after an officer pulled over Welch's vehicle on Route 38 on July 21. 

Police have said that Officer Nick Turner stopped Welch's vehicle near Delaware Drive for motor vehicle infractions. Welch failed to produce identification to Turner, instead giving him false information, presumably to conceal the fact that his driver's license was suspended.

Welch allegedly resisted arrest multiple times — even while handcuffed — and acted aggressively after Turner determined his identity and license status. Welch allegedly "bull rushed" Turner after Turner brought Welch over to Turner's cruiser, according to police.

Welch allegedly took off on foot, running through oncoming Route 38 traffic after knocking Turner backward. Turner tackled Welch after pursuing him on foot for about 50 yards, and police have said that Welch continued to kick and resist until other officers arrived to assist Turner.

Welch has also been indicted on a Class A misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor of transportation of drugs (synthetic marijuana, also known as spice) in a motor vehicle, and a violation-level count of driving after revocation or suspension for his actions after the July 21 traffic stop.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt or conviction; rather, it means a grand jury believed there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.