WRENTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Massachusetts State Police trooper is accused of exposing himself and masturbating while sitting next to a woman at a concert at Gillette Stadium over the summer.
According to a police report, Andrew Patterson, 32 of Lynn, is also accused of punching the woman's boyfriend in the face at the June 21 Luke Bryan concert.
Patterson appeared Thursday before a clerk magistrate in Wrentham District Court, where he received a criminal complaint on one count of lewd, wanton, and lascivious conduct. He has not been charged, and he's been on paid leave.
Witnesses told police Patterson was "extremely intoxicated," refused to move from his seat, and stole their popcorn as his friend apologized for his behavior.
Then, according to the report, Patterson exposed himself and started masturbating.
The friend then reportedly said they were leaving, but they reportedly came back, with Patterson pretending to "grind" on the woman while filming.
When the woman's boyfriend knocked the phone out of Patterson's hand, Patterson allegedly punched him in the face.
After the boyfriend threw a chair at Patterson, Patterson allegedly flashed a badge and revealed he was a State Trooper.
Patterson's wife and friend, who were with him at the concert, say he did nothing wrong. They allege the accuser threw a chair before Patterson threw a punch.
His lawyer points out that the trooper is a decorated veteran.
Mass State Police said Patterson was suspended following the incident, and that after an Internal Affairs hearing Friday, he was suspended without pay.
"The off-duty conduct as alleged utterly contradicts the manner in which the Department demands its members conduct themselves in their personal lives," State Police wrote.
Patterson is scheduled to be arraigned November 8.
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