Assault Charges For Sword-Wielding Man Shot By Everett Police: DA

EVERETT, MA — An Everett man who was shot by police after charging officers with a sword had previously threatened his girlfriend and her daughter, the Middlesex District Attorney's office said.

Jason Gaff, 45, has been charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Shortly after midnight on Monday, a caller reported that Gaff was threatening both her and her mother, who is Gaff's girlfriend, authorities said. Police responded to the Bucknam Street apartment building and found that Gaff had barricaded himself inside, the DA said.

Gaff had shown a knife to an officer at the scene and stated he had a gun, authorities said. He was also seen breaking windows of the apartment with what appeared to be a sword, the DA said.

Additional officers and SWAT were able to safely rescue a resident who was still in the building. Gaff then ran out of the home at officers with the sword over his head, authorities said.

Authorities said officers initially fired a sponge round at him, which was ineffective. As Gaff continued to run at police, an Everett officer fired once, striking him, the DA said.

Gaff was taken to the hospital, where he was arraigned Wednesday. An Everett officer was also hospitalized as a precaution.

The shooting remains under investigation.