Patient Chokes Staff Member at Group Home, Later Arrested at VFW

A patient at a local group home was arrested at gunpoint Monday after he allegedly choked a staff member and fled to the Salem Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall.

James Lavoie, 50, of Salem was charged with disorderly conduct, second degree assault (strangulation), reckless conduct; place another in danger and criminal threatening (use of deadly weapon).

Officer Benoit, his K-9 partner Til, Officer Verrocchi and Officer Massahos responded to Center for Life Management, located on 8 Howard St. at 3:58 p.m. The center is a non-profit, community mental health organization.

Officers had received a report that a male patient was attacking a staff member. Prior to their arrival, police were advised that the woman had escaped the male subject and that staff members had locked themselves in a bathroom.

Salem Police made contact with the female victim upon arrival, who identified the suspect as Lavoie.

According to the victim, Lavoie entered her office and began yelling that she had ruined his life.

At that time, she said Lavoie placed her in a head lock with his arms and applied enough pressure to constrict her breathing. She believed at that time that she was going to be choked to death.

The victim tried to escape through the office door but Lavoie reportedly pulled her hair and tried to close the door.

Another staff member who heard the screaming then intervened, pulling the victim away from Lavoie. The two then locked themselves in a nearby bathroom.

A complete search of the residence did not turn up Lavoie, but a K-9 track of the suspect led police to the VFW Hall, located on North Broadway, which is a short distance away from the group home.

Lavoie was found seated at the table in the hall holding a buck knife in his hand.

At that time, Verrocchi called out knife and pulled out his service weapon. Lavoie was directed to drop the knife several times. When he didn't, Benoit directed his K-9 partner to bark at Lavoie, also ordering Lavoie to drop the knife or the K-9 would be released.

As Lavoie's attention was drawn to the K-9, Verrocchi seized the opportunity and kicked the knife from Lavoie's hand onto the floor.

Verrocchi then took Lavoie to the floor and handcuffed him.

During an interview conducted by detectives at the Salem Police Department, Lavoie said that it had been his intention to kill himself and take someone with him.