SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Charges have been dropped against a state trooper accused of assaulting a woman during a traffic stop in Springfield on January 3.

Mass. State Police Trooper Joel Daoust pulled the driver over on East Columbus Avenue for speeding and drifting between lanes. He then ordered the female driver out of the vehicle, claiming he saw drug paraphernalia in her purse and she complied.

According to court documents, Daoust used an arm-bar takedown, throwing the woman to the pavement. As other officers arrived, he pepper-sprayed her face while she was on the ground.

A subsequent search of her car turned up no drugs or weapons. Daoust’s own report acknowledged the item in her purse was makeup. The woman received only a written warning for a lane violation.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.