© 2024
Local NPR for the Cape, Coast & Islands 90.1 91.1 94.3
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A Hero's Welcome: Injured Bourne Police Officer Cheered Upon Return Home

Well more than 100 police and emergency response vehicles provided a hero's escort to Officer Jared MacDonald, as residents and friends lined Main Street cheering for him -- waving hand-made signs and American flags.

Town employee Jean Potter says she was amazed by the turnout, and that MacDonald deserves the support.

"He went by, and I did get to see him, and I was able to wave," she said. "And he looks great. He had a huge smile on his face, and he was waving and he looked really happy to be coming home to this."

In the early morning hours of February 5, MacDonald and other officers responded to a secluded housing complex in town for a report of a car fire and gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle in flames and blocking the roadway. When they proceeded past the vehicle to an area where gunshots were coming from, police say shooting suspect Adrian Loya opened fire on them, striking MacDonald in the back.

In addition to allegedly shooting MacDonald, Loya also faces charges for the murder of Lisa Trubnilkova, and the wounding of her wife, Anna Trubnikova. Loya and the Trubnikovas were all members of the US Coast Guard. Loya is being held without bond and is due back in court on March 23.

Resident Kevin Hamblin says MacDonald is a friend of his, and he's thrilled MacDonald is going to be okay.

"It's sad to hear what happened," Hamblin said," but he was doing his job. He did his job, and he did it right. And thank God he's alive today, honestly. And it's great to see such a turnout of people. A lot of support a lot of love. Buzzards Bay it's glad to see him home."

Officers from all across Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts provided a hero's escort when Bourne Police Officer Jared MacDonald returned home Wednesday after being treated for a gunshot would he sustained in the line of duty last month.

When speaking to the media after the parade, MacDonald said he was surprised and overwhelmed to see so many people waiting for him.

"Absolutely amazing," he said. "So many faces I recognize. So many people. I can't even tell you -- people that have contacted me that I haven't even heard from for years. Just phenomenal and joyful."

MacDonald says the shooting was a life-altering experience -- but he's staying positive.

"One of the things my wife and I have always said is that there are things in life you can't change and you have to deal with what is given to you, therefore keep on smiling."

MacDonald said his recovery is coming along faster than doctors anticipated, but it will take time before he knows whether he'll be able to achieve his goal of returning to the Bourne Police force.