Fall River man held without bail after allegedly chasing people with a knife at city park

Fall River Police arrested a city man at a local park after an incident that left some residents shaken.

According to Deputy Chief Barden Castro, on Thursday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers responded to Pulaski Park for reports of a male armed with a knife who was acting erratically.  Officers spoke with individuals at the park who reported that an unknown male had been walking around asking people if they had seen his dog.  The male, later identified as 30-year-old Xavier Haskett, appeared to be under the influence and was armed with a knife.  Haskett began accusing a bystander of stealing his dog.

Haskett subsequently chased the witness and another woman while displaying a knife and making threats to harm them.  The victims were able to seek shelter inside a motor vehicle.  Haskett kicked the vehicle, causing damage and leaving a dent.  No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Officers located Haskett a short distance from the park and placed him under arrest.  He was transported to the Fall River Police Station, where he was processed.

He was charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (5 counts), Assault and Battery, and Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle.

Court records show that Haskett was arraigned Friday in Fall River District Court where he pled not guilty and was held without bail with a pretrial hearing scheduled for September 10th.