Wareham Man Accused of Shooting at Cops Indicted

A West Wareham who allegedly shot at two police officers and two civilians near the County Road Recycling Center has been indicted by a Plymouth County grand jury.

Gregory W. Schroth, 41, of 8 Reed Road, was indicted on four counts each of armed assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a firearms license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, the Brockton Enterprise is reporting.

The indictment stems from a June 26 incident.

On that afternoon, Wareham officers Aaron Pacheco and Christopher Corner were dispatched to County Road Recycling for a report of a male trespasser, Wareham Police Chief John Walcek stated at the time. The officers searched the area but were not able to locate him. While speaking with the complainants, the officers heard three consecutive gunshots and realized they were being fired upon, Walcek's statement said. The officers headed in the direction of the gunshots and observed a male on Reed Road carrying a rifle.

Wareham Police

Officer Pacheco then stepped from his cruiser and ordered the man to put the rifle on the ground, but he allegedly refused. Officer Pacheco drew his firearm, commanding the man to put the rifle down; again the man refused, and began walking away toward a camper with the rifle in hand, according to Walcek. Officer Pacheco moved toward the man with his firearm pointed at him, backed up by Officer Corner. Finally, the male put the weapon down just inside the open door of the camper. The officers placed the man in custody and secured the weapon. After a brief search of the area, the officers located a 500-round box of .22 caliber rifle ammunition, Walcek stated.

At the time of his arrest, Schroth was charged with four counts of armed assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm with an FID card, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling.

Walcek at the time praised his officers: “We had a very serious situation where two civilians and two police officers were in grave danger. The positive outcome of this incident is the result of a disciplined and professional response by two of Wareham’s finest officers. Aaron and Chris did an outstanding job and I am very proud of them.”