TEWKSBURY — The Tewksbury Police Department successfully de-escalated an incident involving an armed man on Monday afternoon.
On Monday, May 4, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Tewksbury Police were called to a residence on March Road for a report that a man was armed with a firearm, in distress and had threatened others.
Police quickly setup a perimeter around the home to protect the public, and attempted to engage the armed man in dialogue. Police requested assistance from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) SWAT Team.
Before the SWAT team arrived, the individual came out of his home with his hand under his sweatshirt, and when ordered to show his hands revealed that he had a knife.
Police maintained distance and continued efforts to engage in dialogue and de-escalate the situation. Officers attempted to use a less-than-lethal round to disarm the individual. A short time later, police were successful in getting the man to drop the knife, and officers took him into custody without anyone getting hurt.
The individual involved was taken to a local hospital for an evaluation. He will face charges in connection with the incident once he is released from the hospital.
“The officers who responded to this incident showed incredible restraint, professionalism and skill as they de-escalated this dangerous situation and ensured that no one got hurt,” said Chief Ryan Columbus.
Additional information will be released as it becomes appropriate.