Braintree Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Friday, March 1, 1991
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: March 1, 1991
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with manslaughter
Lieutenant Gregory Principe and Sergeant Ernest DeCross were killed in a vehicle crash while pursuing a vehicle being driven by a 16-year-old juvenile.
Their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree near the intersection of Middle Street and Arnold Street. The juvenile was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter.
Lieutenant Principe had served with the Braintree Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons. One of his sons later became a Boston police officer.