On Friday, Sept. 20, Kevin Burke reappeared in Attleborough District Court for a detention hearing following his arraignment.
Burke, who pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Friday, Sept. 13, faces a series of charges, including being a fugitive of justice, assault and battery on a police officer, drug trafficking, and resisting arrest.
The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 5 when NAPD Officers Galarneau, Wade, and Pereira responded to a report of suspicious activity at the Red Roof Inn in Mansfield. Upon arriving, they found a BMW with a stolen plate and identified one of the individuals near the vehicle as Burke, who had an outstanding warrant for evading Attleborough police on Aug. 14.
When officers attempted to arrest him, Burke resisted, trying to enter the car and start the engine. In the scuffle, one of the North Attleboro officers fired his gun at the suspect, hitting him in the arm. An unidentified passenger put the car in drive, causing the vehicle to lurch forward. The car struck two officers with its rear side door as it fled the scene.
Amit Singh, an Attleborough lawyer representing Burke, suggested the use of force by the police officers was not justified.
After his arrest in North Attleborough and transfer to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, police discovered multiple drugs in Burke’s possession, leading to additional charges of narcotics distribution. The substances found included approximately 12.8 grams of fentanyl, and 18 grams of crack cocaine.
Burke’s upcoming dangerousness hearing was postponed, but will determine whether he will remain in custody as the case moves forward. For now, he is being held without bail.
