Two face multiple charges after suspicious vehicle incident in Truro

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TRURO
– Truro Police report that on Thursday at approximately 7:56 p.m., Officer Craig Bayer was on uniform patrol in a marked cruiser. Officer Bayer was patrolling Collins Road in the vicinity of Great Pond, an extremely rural area with no streetlights and very light vehicular traffic. The majority of homes on this road are not used during the winter season. In the past, Truro Police have investigated reports of breaking and entering to homes in that area.

Officer Bayer encountered two suspicious males in dark clothing who were seated in a gray Saab SUV, which was parked on Collins Road across from a shared driveway. Upon seeing the marked cruiser, the two males nervously looked away from Officer Bayer as he slowly passed.

As Officer Bayer turned around to investigate further, he observed the reverse lights of the Saab engage. Then all of the Saab’s lights were turned off. When Officer Bayer approached the two suspicious males and identified himself, the driver, later identified as Ian Michael Gasunas, ran off and disappeared into the darkness, while the passenger, later identified as John R. Dowd, made an evasive movement in the front of the Saab in an attempt to hide.

Officer Bayer called for backup, but before their arrival, Dowd became uncooperative and combative. Dowd assaulted Officer Bayer, who was struggling to restrain him. Concerned that the second suspect (Gasunas), would return and assist Dowd in his assault, Officer Bayer deployed and used his Taser, which had no effect on Dowd. Officer Bayer continued to attempt to control Dowd until he was joined on scene by Officer Steven Raneo, who assisted in placing Dowd into custody.

An additional backup officer arrived and assisted in locating Gasunas. Once Gasunas was located by officers, he refused to cooperate and physically resisted as officers attempted to place him into custody. Ultimately, Gasunas was placed into custody.

Both Gasunas (left) and Dowd (right) were transported to the Truro Police Station. Both remained combative and uncooperative during the booking and detainment process. Gasunas was charged with operating under the influence of liquor (3rd offense), operating negligently to endanger, operating after license suspended, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Dowd was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, trespassing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and open container of alcohol in a vehicle. Both were held at the Truro Police Station overnight and arraigned Friday in Orleans District Court.

Truro Police report that Gasunas, who has two aliases on record, has a lengthy criminal history with 29 prior adult arraignments in Massachusetts including many violent charges. Dowd also has a lengthy criminal history with 12 prior adult arraignments including violent charges.
Media release and mugshots furnished by Truro Police

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