Jeffrey Pugliese

Watertown Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese testified for the prosecution on Day 33 about exchanging gunfire with Tamerlan Tsarnaev, tackling him, and avoiding an approaching SUV during the effort to handcuff him. He said he responded in his personal vehicle after hearing radio reports of a carjacking and officers under fire, then moved through backyards to approach the suspects from the side.

Pugliese described continuing through an explosion, exchanging shots with Tamerlan at close range, and pursuing him after Tamerlan threw his pistol, striking Pugliese's arm. He said he tackled Tamerlan and that the SUV accelerated toward the officers during their attempt to restrain him. Pugliese tried to pull Tamerlan toward the sidewalk and rolled away before seeing the vehicle run over and drag him, strike a police car, and depart. The Court permitted Pugliese to demonstrate his movements. He testified that an alternative direction was not blocked by police cars and believed the SUV had made a three-point turn toward the officers; his account did not identify the driver by name.

On cross-examination, Timothy G. Watkins tested Pugliese's recollection through images and questions about gunfire and vehicle positions. Defense Exhibit 3006 was admitted without objection. Pugliese believed its lighter-clothed figure was Tamerlan but could not recall whether he wore a jacket, and he agreed another car appeared beside the tackle location. He could not say whether his own shots struck Tamerlan or whether shooting paused during the pursuit. He explained that his focus on Tamerlan limited his observations of the other person and surrounding gunfire, while confirming that Tamerlan continued to resist after being tackled.

On redirect, Pugliese confirmed that he had not been hit by gunfire. He was then excused.