Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police Respond to Violent Mental Health Crisis

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA – The Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police Departments responded jointly on Tuesday night to an individual experiencing a violent mental health crisis.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, at approximately 8:26 p.m., Manchester-by-the-Sea Police were called to a report of a disturbance at a home on Summer Street. A 911 caller reported that a family member was out of control. 

Manchester-by-the-Sea Police requested assistance from Essex Police while officers were heading to the scene due to the potential danger.

Officers arrived at the home to learn from family members who had fled the home that an adult male inside was experiencing a mental health crisis and acting violently.

Tactically entering the home’s garage to search for the adult male inside the home, officers were immediately attacked by a male with a claw hammer and rake. 

Officers then used less-than-lethal weapons during the struggle. The adult male was eventually taken into custody without injury and transported to Beverly Hospital for evaluation.

A Manchester-by-the-Sea officer who was struck in the head with a hammer was taken to Beverly Hospital via Beauport Ambulance, where he was treated and released for a non-life-threatening injury.

Additional off-duty Manchester officers, including Chief Todd Fitzgerald and Lt. Mark McCoy responded promptly to the scene. Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police have access to a co-response mental health clinician, though the incident unfolded before the clinician could arrive on the scene.

“I want to express my gratitude to all the responding officers for their quick and decisive action in a volatile situation that could have had a much more serious outcome. Our department emphasizes the importance of swift, coordinated responses in potentially dangerous situations, and I commend all the officers involved for their professionalism and bravery,” said Chief Fitzgerald. “I want to thank Essex Police and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department for their quick responses and assistance.”

“It was alarming to see how violent the individual was on scene,” said Chief Shamshak. “It was a potentially lethal situation. I credit the officers with using their training and tactics to preserve life.”

The incident remains under investigation by Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Detectives. Chief Fitzgerald anticipates subsequent criminal charges may be filed.

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