Raynham Police Commend Officers for Restraint During Armed Confrontation

Raynham Police officers disarmed a woman advancing at them with a knife on Thursday night. (Raynham Police Department)

RAYNHAM — The Raynham Police Department is commending two officers for their restraint and professionalism during a dangerous encounter that ended with a suspect taken into custody without further injury.

On Thursday, April 2, at about 8:16 p.m., Officer Brian Silva and Sgt. Frank Pacheco responded to an apartment at 130 Briarcliff Road for a well-being check.

Upon arrival, officers were met outside the apartment by a 26-year-old man who was suffering from non-life-threatening slash wounds.

Police learned that the man had been slashed by his roommate, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Officers then went to the apartment and made contact with the suspect, a 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, of HANOVER, who was holding a knife. Sgt. Pacheco issued several verbal commands for the woman to drop the knife, which he could see was still in her hand. Despite numerous commands, the woman advanced toward officers with the knife still in hand.

Officers attempted to create distance while continuing to urge her to drop the knife. Officer Silva then drew his Taser. When the woman continued advancing toward officers, refusing to comply with commands and coming within arm’s reach, Officer Silva deployed his Taser.

As a result the woman dropped the knife. Officers were then able to gain control of both her arms and safely place her in handcuffs.

The victim, who suffered several lacerations, was transported by a Raynham Fire Department ambulance to Boston Medical Center – South in Brockton for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN was also transported to a hospital for evaluation.

She will be summonsed to Taunton District Court at a later date on a charge of Assault and Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

“Incidents involving a weapon can escalate very quickly and pose a serious threat to officers and others nearby,” said Chief David LaPlante. “Sgt. Pacheco and Officer Silva gave clear commands and worked to create distance, and Officer Silva used his Taser when the suspect continued advancing toward them. Their actions and restraint brought a very dangerous situation under control and allowed them to resolve the situation without further injury.”

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