Five police officers, including Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh, sustained injuries while attempting to apprehend a knife-wielding suspect in Taunton, Massachusetts. The incident occurred after the suspect led police on a chase, crashed into his residence, and fled inside the house.
The incident began when Taunton police officers pulled over a vehicle for a moving violation on County St. At that time, an unrelated individual in a gray Honda Accord approached the officers and shouted at them. The Honda quickly left the scene, and police did not pursue it. However, a short while later, an officer on patrol observed the same Honda being driven recklessly. Police stopped the Honda, but the driver fled and nearly struck an approaching officer.
A pursuit ensued until the Honda crashed into the entryway of a multifamily home on West Britannia St., which was later identified as the suspect’s residence. The suspect fled into the house, with officers in pursuit. Inside, the suspect brandished a knife and waved it at the officers, resulting in two officers sustaining slash wounds. Chief Edward Walsh, who resides nearby, responded to the scene and was also attacked by the suspect, suffering a puncture wound to his torso.
Chief Walsh deployed his Taser, allowing officers to secure and arrest the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody approximately 15 minutes after the initial encounter with police. One officer with serious slash wounds, including injuries to his face and head, was airlifted to a Boston hospital. His injuries are currently deemed non-life-threatening. Another officer with knife wounds was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Chief Walsh received treatment for his puncture wound at Morton Hospital and was released the same night. Two additional officers sustained injuries during the suspect’s apprehension and were treated at Morton Hospital.
The suspect, a 35-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, will face multiple felony charges upon booking at the Taunton Police Department. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
