LAKEVILLE, Mass. — An investigation is underway after a Lakeville police officer and an off-duty state trooper shot a gun-wielding man during a confrontation in Lakeville early Friday morning, officials said.
An officer monitoring traffic near the intersection of Precinct and Pickens streets around 3:45 a.m. was confronted by a man who displayed what appeared to be a black handgun, according to Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins. The officer then retreated behind his cruiser, drew his service weapon, and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but the individual in question allegedly refused to comply.
As the confrontation unfolded, an off-duty Massachusetts state trooper was driving by and stopped to render assistance to the Lakeville officer, Perkins said. The officer and the trooper repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon, but Perkins said the suspect continued to ignore the demands.
“During the exchange, the suspect took an aggressive stance and raised the weapon. At this time, fearing for their safety, both fired, striking the suspect,” Perkins said. “The officers secured the suspect’s weapon and immediately rendered emergency medical aid to the man.”
The suspect, whose name hasn’t been released, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he is receiving emergency treatment for multiple gunshot wounds.
Perkins noted that the man is known to Lakeville police. He will face a slew of criminal charges including assault with a dangerous weapon.
The officer and trooper weren’t injured in the confrontation.
Perkins confirmed that the suspect’s weapon, possibly a replica gun, was recovered at the scene. Drone video captured by a Boston 25 News photographer showed an evidence marker in the street next to a firearm.
Multiple officers and state troopers were also spotted huddled near a black sedan that was parked on the side of the road with its door open.
The Lakeville officer was taken off duty and the service weapons of the officer and trooper have been taken as part of the investigation, according to Perkins. They aren’t being identified at this time.
Perkins said body-camera footage of the incident exists and that it will be released after the suspect is formally charged in court.
“I believe he [Lakeville officer] did a good job,” Perkins said when asked if he had watched the footage. “I have seen it and it will speak for itself.”
The significant emergency response to the shooting resulted in the closure of Pickens and Precinct streets. The intersection will remain closed until further notice and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
There is no danger to the public at this time.
The Plymouth District Attorney’s Office is leading an investigation into the incident.
UPDATE: Just before 4 am a suspect was shot during a confrontation with police on Precinct St in Lakeville. The suspect is being treated at St. Luke’s Hospital. A Lakeville officer and State Trooper who were on scene were not hurt. A weapon belonging to the suspect was recovered. https://t.co/wEE2ZBtEnw
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) September 29, 2023
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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