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State Troopers, Everett Police Officer Injured Arresting Patrons At Encore Casino, I-Team Sources Say

EVERETT (CBS) -- Two Massachusetts State Police troopers and an Everett police officer were injured arresting "unruly patrons" at Encore Casino Friday night, according to I-Team sources. Sources report that many troopers have been injured dealing with patrons of the casino in the past few weeks.

State Police responded around 2 a.m. by a report of a disruptive patron in the poker room, sources said. They said the man was violent and trying to assault police officers, with one using their stun gun on him.

One trooper suffered a head injury and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, sources said. He was later diagnosed with a concussion. Another trooper was hurt in the back less severely. Both were part of the Gaming Enforcement Unit stationed at the casino.

The patron was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Sources said he would likely also be charged with assault and battery on a police officer.

Later in the night, around 4:20 a.m., State Police responded for a report of a fight. Sources said one of the men resisted arrest and struggled with police officers, injuring an Everett police officer. The man was charged with assault and battery on a police officer and disorderly conduct.

The State Police union told the I-Team that in the past few weeks, several troopers and sergeants have been injured dealing with out-of-control patrons, and that one will even require neck surgery before returning to work.

Last month, four people were charged for a "violent assault" at the casino.

Encore Casino released a statement Saturday evening: "The safety of our guests is of paramount concern for us. More than 20,000 people enjoyed the casino yesterday. We employed more than 30 security personnel and the Gaming Enforcement Unit of the Massachusetts State Police had several officers on site, as they do each and every day. Violence has not  increased over the last few months. On the contrary, we have seen a reduction in the number of arrests."

Saturday night, sources said, additional patrols will be sent to the area around the casino. They also said there have been issues with police radios not working at the casino.

Sources said that leaders within the State Police Association of Massachusetts are meeting with the Everett Police Department to address these issues.

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