Thomas Perkins Arraigned in Shooting on Route 128 North

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Mass. – December 11, 2025 – In Salem District Court today, Thomas Drequan Perkins, 26, of Quincy, was arraigned on several charges tied to an alleged shooting that occurred on Route 128 North at approximately 11:30 p.m. on the night of Monday, December 8, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker states.

Specifically, Perkins is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder with a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license (second offense), possessing ammunition without a firearm ID car (subsequent offense), discharging a firearm near a highway, and defacing property. Perkins pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The Beverly Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police responded to the incident.

It is alleged that the defendant became involved in a verbal altercation with another male party in the parking lot of the Beverly Service Plaza rest stop on Route 128 North. Upon returning to their respective vehicles, the Commonwealth alleges that the defendant pursued the other party onto the highway and fired at the other party’s vehicle, which also carried another person.

The Commonwealth requested that the defendant be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. The Hon. Lisa Core granted the Commonwealth’s request and stipulated that the defendant have no contact with and stay away from the two individuals in the other vehicle. Assistant District Attorney Patrick Collins represented the Commonwealth at the arraignment. Perkins was represented by attorney Meghan Taylor. Perkins is scheduled to return to Salem District Court for the dangerousness hearing on Thursday, December 18.

All suspects and defendants and presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

Office: 978-745-6610

Cell: 781-771-9779