Officer Shoots Man Who Allegedly Goes Wild, Attacks Cops

CHELMSFORD, MA — A police officer shot a man who had allegedly punched an officer, used glass and a hammer as weapons, and shook off a Taser, the Middlesex DA's Office said in a statement Sunday night. The suspect suffered serious injuries, and an officer suffered minor injuries.

The officer who shot the suspect has been placed on paid administrative leave, per policy of the Chelmsford Police Department.

According to officials, police responded to a Clover Hill Drive incident at about 7:40 a.m. for a call regarding a domestic incident. Upon arrival, police encountered a 35-year-old man in an agitated state. The man was known to police. A woman, known to the man, was also present.

The man allegedly punched the officer in the face. During an altercation two additional officers arrived. The man allegedly remained combative, using nearby items such as a large shard of glass and a hammer as weapons.

An officer used his Taser on the suspect as police feared for their safety and the safety of the female victim, according to the DA's office. The Taser proved ineffective, so another officer fired two gunshots; One hit the suspect in the leg and another grazed his head.

The suspect was transported to a hospital and flown to a Boston-area hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

The female victim was transported to a hospital to be treated for injuries allegedly caused by the suspect. She was released.

All the officers involved were transported to the hospital as a precaution. The officer who was punched suffered minor injuries and was released.

The DA's office, State Police, and Chelmsford Police are investigating. The suspect is expected to face charges.

Story by Mike Carraggi, Patch Staff