Uxbridge Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty
A police officer in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, died after being struck by a tractor-trailer while on duty. State authorities reported the officer, a husband and father, was assisting another driver at the time of the incident. An investigation is currently underway.
- The deceased officer has been identified as 43-year-old Stephen LaPorta. He leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child. - The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on Wednesday on the northbound side of Route 146 in Uxbridge. Officer LaPorta was outside of his cruiser assisting a driver following a separate crash when he was struck. - Roads were reported to be icy at the time of the crash due to freezing rain. Another officer was heard on police scanners shortly before the incident describing the area as "an ice rink." - Officer LaPorta had been a full-time police officer with the Uxbridge Police Department since June 2024, which he considered the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Prior to that, he served for 17 years in Mendon as a full-time dispatcher and detail officer. - The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The motorist that Officer LaPorta was assisting was not injured. - An investigation into the crash is being led by the Massachusetts State Police and the office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early. No charges have been filed at this time. - In response to the tragedy, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ordered all state flags to be flown at half-staff. Black bunting has also been hung outside the Uxbridge police station in honor of the fallen officer.
