On July 19, 1980, Sergeant Arthur Cashin of the Chelsea Police Department in Massachusetts met a tragic end while performing his duties. Sergeant Cashin, who was 37 years old and had served with the department for nine years, was making a routine traffic stop in Bellingham Square, Chelsea. The incident began when he and his partner, Officer William Copello, stopped a vehicle for driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
As Sergeant Cashin approached the driver's side of the vehicle, the
driver immediately became aggressive. The driver got out of the vehicle and punched Sergeant Cashin, causing him to fall face-first onto the sidewalk. In a shocking and violent turn of events, the driver then un-holstered Sergeant Cashin's service weapon and shot him twice in the back as he lay helpless on the ground. Officer Copello, who had approached the passenger side of the vehicle, quickly responded to the situation by drawing his own service weapon and shooting the driver, killing him in the process.
Sergeant Cashin was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on July 20, 1980. The loss of Sergeant Cashin was deeply felt by his family, including his wife, Lorraine, and their two young daughters, Stacey, 11, and Renee, 6. The community and law enforcement agencies from across the state also mourned his death, with nearly 1,000 police officers from 95 communities attending his funeral procession.
The suspect in this case was the driver of the vehicle, who was shot and killed by Officer Copello during the incident. There is no detailed description or name provided for the suspect in the available sources, as the focus is primarily on the heroic actions and tragic death of Sergeant Cashin. The swift and decisive action by Officer Copello prevented further harm but could not save Sergeant Cashin's life.
Sergeant Cashin's funeral was a solemn and dignified affair, reflecting the respect and admiration he earned during his service. The procession included 40 motorcycles and 80 cruisers, and it was marked by a 21-gun salute and the playing of 'Taps' at the Woodlawn cemetery in Everett. The ceremony was attended by a large contingent of police officers, who formed a corridor of tribute to honor their fallen colleague.
Sergeant Cashin's legacy extends beyond his tragic death, as he is remembered for his dedication to law enforcement and the impact he had on his community. His family continued to face challenges, including the later loss of his nephew, Captain Rick Cashin, who was killed in an on-duty automobile accident while serving with the Massachusetts State Police on January 28, 2009.
