Massachusetts man with life-threatening injuries after reported knife attack leads to officer-involved shooting

A Massachusetts man has been seriously injured after being shot by police in a reported knife attack.

According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, on Sunday, at approximately 12:08 p.m., Burlington Police received a 911 call from a man who stated he was having some mental health issues. The man, who is in his forties, allegedly told the officer that he had a knife and that he was unsure how he would respond when the officers arrived. The man remained on the phone throughout the incident.

Two officers were dispatched to the scene and instructed to wait outside until the arrival of additional personnel. While they were waiting outside near their cruisers, the man, still on the open line, allegedly came out of the building wielding a knife. He subsequently moved towards the officers. The officers repeatedly commanded the man to put the knife down but the man continued to run towards the officers, still in possession of the knife. One of the officers discharged a less than lethal round which was unsuccessful in stopping him. Still wielding the knife, the man continued to advance toward the second officer who discharged their department-issued firearm, striking the male. The male was rendered medical aid on the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

One of the officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. The two responding officers were transported to an area hospital.

The name of the man is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are in the very early stages of this investigation.