Robot dog played large role in capturing Massachusetts standoff suspect

BARNSTABLE, Mass. (WLNE) — A Massachusetts State Police “robot dog” deployed during a standoff with a barricaded suspect on March 6 was shot three times by the suspect.

The SPOT four-legged robot was sent into the residence by SWAT Team members, which is controlled remotely to safely gather intelligence on situations.

The SPOT, nicknamed Roscoe, was first steered toward the home’s basement where it was confronted by the suspect who was armed with a rifle.

The suspect knocked over the robot and fled upstairs, but the robot has a “self-righting” function, so the trooper in control was able to return Roscoe to its feet.

The robot was steered up the stairs after the suspect who then turned around and shot the robot three times, rendering it inoperable.

SWAT officers then dropped tear gas into the house and the suspect surrendered shortly after.

The robot was brought to manufacturer Boston Dynamics to assess its damage.

The company expressed an interest in keeping Roscoe for research and a new SPOT will be obtained by the Massachusetts State Police soon.