By SANDY McGEE

LINCOLN - In a tussle with an undercover state trooper, a North Reading man was shot in the face Friday during a sting at Lincoln Woods State Park.

Arjusz E. Roszkowski, 26, was injured when his 9-mm handgun went off during a struggle with an undercover state trooper.
The North Reading man was transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was undergoing surgery for his injuries. As of press time, his medical condition was unknown.
Roszkowski, a man with a lengthy criminal record, had contacted an undercover detective to purchase a shotgun that he intended to use in a robbery, according to State Police Col. Brendan P. Doherty.
“The man made arrangements to purchase a 12-gauge shotgun to use in a bank robbery,” Doherty said at an impromptu press conference held Friday afternoon at the Lincoln State Police barracks.
Roszkowski has prior convictions for multiple robberies and larceny. He was arrested in 2005 as the suspect of an armed robbery at a Citizen's Bank branch in Manchester, N.H.
According to Doherty, Roszkowski contacted a man he believed could supply him with the shotgun. The man, however, was an undercover state police detective.
The suspect and undercover trooper arranged to meet at a predetermined location at Lincoln Woods at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
Prior to the meeting, more than a dozen members of the State Police Intelligence, Narcotics and Tactical Units surrounded the location, but stayed hidden undercover.
Roszkowski arrived at the park alone, according to police. The detective, while under close surveillance by other troopers 15 feet away, appeared to be by himself.
According to Doherty, the suspect showed the undercover detective an amount of cash for the weapon.
When the detective identified himself as a state trooper, the suspect reached into his waistband and pulled out a 9-mm handgun, according to State Police.
A struggle between the suspect and officer ensued. Other undercover troopers ran to the scene to help.
“As the two wrestled for the weapon, one round from the weapon was fired,” Doherty said.
Roszkowski was shot in the chin, according to police. The undercover officer sustained burns to his arm and minor injuries during the struggle.
“We believe (Roszkowski) was using the weapon to harm the trooper,” Doherty said. “I am thankful that none of the troopers were injured.
“We were prepared to use force if necessary. It was the training of these troopers that kept them safe.”
According to Doherty, officers checked the area before the meeting to make sure it was clear of park visitors.
“Our main focus was to make sure that the general public was out of harm's way,” Doherty said.
The access road to Lincoln Woods was cordoned off to traffic Friday afternoon.