March 17, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced that Michael Ortega, 55, of Wilbraham, has been sentenced in Hampden Superior Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges stemming from a January 2024 incident in Wilbraham in which he opened fire on responding police officers, seriously injuring one officer.

On the evening of January 20, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Wilbraham Police received a 911 text message from a 15-year-old girl who reported that she and her mother were hiding from the defendant, her father and also a resident of the home, in a bedroom on Old Carriage Road. Officers were immediately dispatched to the residence.

Responding officers included Officer Cameron Prosperi, Officer Brittani Tassone, Officer Jack Alberici, and Sgt. Charles Moore of the Wilbraham Police Department. Officers Prosperi, Tassone, and Alberici approached the rear of the residence while Sgt. Moore approached the front.

At approximately 8:33 p.m., shortly after officers arrived, the defendant approached the rear glass door of the home where the officers were positioned and began firing at them. Officers returned fire during the exchange.

During the gunfire, Officer Prosperi was struck twice by the defendant’s bullets. Officer Prosperi sustained significant injuries, despite wearing a ballistic vest, and was transported by police cruiser to the hospital. Medical professionals later credited the rapid transport from the scene as instrumental in saving his life.

As a result of the shooting, Officer Prosperi lost a kidney, his spleen, and portions of his colon, and was at substantial risk of death.

The defendant was also struck during the exchange and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Investigators later recovered the firearm used in the shooting along with four magazines loaded with a total of 45 rounds of ammunition, including large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Authorities determined that the defendant was not properly licensed to possess the firearm.

The investigation included review of police cruiser footage and interior footage from the residence, documenting the defendant’s conduct prior to the shooting and the moments leading up to the gunfire. Officers reported giving commands directing the defendant to show his hands before the defendant began firing.

On March 16, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty in Hampden Superior Court. The Commonwealth requested a lead sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than 20 years in state prison, followed by probation with conditions including a mental health evaluation and treatment for alcohol abuse and anger management. The court ultimately imposed a sentence of 12 to 16 years in state prison, with additional concurrent sentences on related counts, as well as two years of probation from and after the committed sentence.

“When police officers respond to calls for help, they do so not knowing what they will face,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “That night, Officer Cameron Prosperi and his colleagues were met with gunfire. While all the officers were left with emotional wounds that will never completely go away, Officer Prosperi suffered very serious physical injuries, as well. The courage shown by the men and women that evening is a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers take every day to protect our communities. I commend all the officers involved and the Wilbraham Police Department for their heroism and selfless service to their town.”

Wilbraham Police Chief Edward Lennon praised the officers’ distinguished heroism, stating that their actions exemplified the highest traditions of law enforcement service and brought great honor to both themselves and their department.

The case was investigated by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office’s State Police Detective Unit and the Wilbraham Police Department.

The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Paul Caccaviello and Kelsey Baran, and Victim Witness Advocate Kristin Welch.