Man Fights Off Stun Gun, Steals Police Cruiser Before Arrest

A driver stopped in Salem fought off the arresting officer and a stun gun, then led police on a chase into Massachusetts where, before being apprehended, he stole a cruiser and later told a store clerk he would shoot the police.

The Salem Police Department said Robert Zygarowski, 52, of Ellwood City, Pa., was arrested and charged with two counts of simple assault, two counts of resisting arrest, reckless operation, disobeying an officer, and criminal restraint.

Additional charges may be filed in the case, which occurred after a traffic stop at 12:40 a.m. on June 21 on Main Street in Salem, N.H.

Salem Police Officer Adam Pearson stopped Zygarowski in the vicinity of Centerville Drive and was attempting to arrest him when police said he resisted and a struggle ensued. Police said Pearson deployed his stun gun, but the driver was able to knock off the Taser prongs and assault the officer before fleeing the scene.

Pearson gave chase and followed the driver into Massachusetts and through Haverhill and into Lawrence, where he blew out a rear tire and stopped on Essex Street.

Pearson got out of his cruiser and ordered the three occupants of the car to exit the vehicle. Police said Zygarowski then charged at Pearson and was able to gain control of his Salem Police cruiser, and driving away in it. Pearson detained the two other occupants while backup officers arrived from Salem, Lawrence, Mass., and Massachusetts State Police.

Police said Zygarowski abandoned the police cruiser a short distance away on Merrimack View Court, with no damage to the vehicle, and all its contents remaining in the police car.

Officers began searching for the driver and a man matching his description walked into Ted's Mobil on Route 28 in Methuen, where he indicated "he had weapons and he was going to shoot the police," which prompted the clerk to call Methuen Police, police said.

Officers converged on the area, where the man was seen entering and walking through the kitchen of the IHOP restaurant. A perimeter was established, and the search included K-9 units, and the driver was spotted walking along the rail trail in the area of 265 South Broadway, police said.

Police said officers ordered him to the ground, and a brief struggle ensued before he was placed under arrest.

The Salem Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division is working with the Lawrence Police Department and charges are expected to be filed related to the theft of the Salem police cruiser. The two occupants cooperated with investigators and were later released. One said he repeatedly asked to be let out of the car, according to police.

Zygarowski was taken to the Rockingham County Jail in Brentwood to await arraignment in the 10th Division, Salem on June 23.

Police said Officer Pearson sustained minor injuries and was treated and released form Parkland medical Center.