Stoughton Police Respond to Report of Individual Armed with Knife

The reported knife, later determined to be a broken half-pair of kitchen shear-style scissors, that was recovered by Stoughton Police. (Photo Courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara reports that the Stoughton Police Department responded to a report of an individual acting erratically and brandishing a knife in public outside a convenience store.

On Monday, June 9, at approximately 6:33 p.m., Stoughton Police officers were dispatched to the area of a convenience store on Turnpike Street for a report of a person brandishing a knife with a 3-to-5-inch blade and swiping at cars. The caller reported to dispatch that the female appeared to be in her late teens to early 20s, weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Officers quickly located the person, who was about 5 feet 6 inches tall and matched the description given by the 911 call. The officers observed that she was holding a bladed weapon in her hand while sitting on the ground.

They took immediate steps to ensure her safety and well-being, and the safety of the public and responding officers. Following their training and procedures, officers issued clear verbal commands for the individual to drop the weapon and lie on her stomach. One officer observed that she dropped the knife. However, she did not comply with orders to lie on the ground, and she took off running in the direction of additional officers who had arrived on the scene, including a sergeant who had grabbed a protective shield as a proactive de-escalation tactic. Unsure of her mental state and whether she had any additional weapons that would present a danger to herself or the officers, she was detained following a brief physical encounter to allow officers to assess the situation.

Initially, officers were unaware of the individual’s age or potential cognitive condition. After she was detained, it was recognized that the juvenile had an intellectual disability and was younger than the age provided by dispatch. The officers demonstrated significant care and compassion in their interaction. Once they determined she posed no threat to herself or others, they removed her handcuffs. Officers then arranged for a paramedic evaluation and promptly took steps to reunite her with her mother, who was found to be working at a nearby business.

A subsequent investigation revealed the object to be a broken half-pair of kitchen shear-style scissors. It was also determined that the juvenile was not swiping at cars or threatening individuals with the item, contrary to the initial dispatch report.

“As police officers, we never know what kind of situation we are facing when we are called. Reports concerning armed individuals must be approached with the utmost care and caution,” said Chief McNamara. “The added variables in this case — a child with autism spectrum disorder — add a great deal of difficulty and emotion for everyone involved, but I am grateful that our officers relied on their training and responded with care, compassion and professionalism. The Stoughton Police Department is committed to serving all members of our community with empathy and understanding.”

**To view video of the incident, including body camera footage, the 911 call and dispatch audio, click here.**

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