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Suicidal man subdued after charging officers with a knife


  • The incident Tuesday took place in the area of Bowles Avenue, the Route 12 side of which has a street sign that reads "Bowles St."

    WEST BOYLSTON — A suicidal man who allegedly threatened to harm himself and responding officers was subdued with a TASER after emerging from his apartment armed with 2 knives and running toward police Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

    West Boylston police said officers were dispatched to the Bowles Avenue area shortly after 4 yesterday afternoon for a report that a man had armed himself with multiple knives and made suicidal statements to his girlfriend. According to police, the man told his girlfriend he intended to harm himself and any officers who responded, indicating he wanted to die by "suicide by cop."

    Police said the girlfriend had been moved to a safe location and officers established a perimeter around the residence while evacuating neighboring apartments. Crisis negotiators with the CEMLEC SWAT team were called to assist.

    After brief communication with negotiators, the man emerged from his apartment carrying 2 knives and ran toward officers with a knife raised over his head, according to police. Officers deployed a TASER energy weapon, subduing the man.

    The man was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital for evaluation. No officers were injured.

    Acting Chief Thomas Balvin thanked Wachusett Regional Dispatch, the West Boylston Fire Department, Boylston Police Department, Holden Police Department and the CEMLEC SWAT team for their assistance.

    Balvin also commended West Boylston officers for their professionalism and dedication in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

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