Each year the Valley Patriot gives out an Officer Tom Duggan, Sr. Hero Police Officer Award in honor of the former Lawrence Police Officer who was murdered in the line of duty in 1990.
This year Methuen Sgt. Eric Deleon nominated Officers Schiavone and Keating to be recognized for their bravery, courage, and ability to perform their duties under an extremely stressful situation.
On July 23, 2022, Officers Kevin Schiavone and James Keating were working a detail at the Elixer Hookah Lounge on East Street in Methuen. While officers were in the area, a shooting occurred with 6-7 shots being fired. Simultaneously, a large fight broke out during closing time while officers were present within feet of the incident. The subjects had no regard for the police officer’s presence.
The scene was chaotic. Approximately 100 people in the Elixir parking lot were agitated and angry, gridlocking the parking lot quickly. The crowd was yelling, honking horns, and revving their car engines. Officers from Andover, Haverhill, MSP, Medford, Newbury, Lowell, Dracut, and Salem (NH) assisted. One male was shot in the leg above the knee. He was attempting to conceal his injury and involvement and left the scene. Police were looking for a Mercedes believed to be involved in the shooting.
Then police observed a 2021 Mercedes parked with tinted windows and fearing for their safety ordered the occupants out at gunpoint. Officers located a female attempting to hide a gun within the backseat of the vehicle. All four occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested.
Sgt. Deleon, as the Commanding Officer, felt that the officers on scene were in imminent harm. Numerous outside agencies were contacted and responded to assist during this very dangerous incident. As a result of a complete and thorough investigation by Officers Schiavone and Officer Keating, two firearms were recovered, and several arrests were made.
One male was treated for a gunshot wound. These two officers showed courage and the ability to work through a very stressful situation involving an unruly crowd of more than 100 people. These two officers remained composed and focused. Doing so kept others safe on scene.
The officers secured a dangerous crime scene, rendered first aid and conducted a thorough investigation. Sgt Deleon requested that these two Officers be recognized for their brave efforts. ◊