MANSFIELD — Chief Ronald Sellon reports that the Mansfield Police Department arrested a potentially armed Mansfield man following a tense altercation on Wednesday morning.
JEFFREY J. PINNIX, AGE 51, of MANSFIELD, was arrested and charged with:
- Assault & Battery on Family/Household Member
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Resisting Arrest
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, at about 12 a.m., Officers Justin I. Pena, Alexander Ferraz and Gregory Martell responded to a West Mansfield home following the report of a possible domestic assault. A third party told a Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communications Center (SEMRECC) dispatcher that the suspect was intoxicated, making suicidal threats and armed with a knife.
Upon arrival, the officers made contact with PINNIX, who made direct violent threats toward them.
Officer Scott Brown arrived to assist. Officers Pena and Ferraz retrieved 40mm less-than-lethal bean bag launchers.
PINNIX barricaded himself inside the home for short while, then exited, scuffling briefly with officers. Officers twice used a handheld conducted energy weapon (CEW). PINNIX was handcuffed and taken into custody.
“This incident could have easily escalated into a deadly situation,” said Chief Sellon. “Officers Pena, Ferraz, Martell and Brown handled this situation safely and professionally. They knew the suspect possessed a weapon. However, our officers met his threats and suicidal behavior with strategy and empathy. Although we train hard to avoid lethal force in a situation like this, these incidents don’t always end well. I salute these four Mansfield Police officers for saving a man’s life while protecting the victim, themselves and fellow officers.”
The officers were on the scene for approximately 50 minutes, and the suspect was taken into custody about 30 minutes after their arrival. While four Mansfield Police officers were tied up on the scene, Easton, Norton and Foxborough Police departments were all advised and had officers standing by to assist, if needed.
“Our officers exhibited great patience establishing a dialogue with subject,” said Chief Sellon. “This successful apprehension and preservation of life highlights the value of Mansfield Police Department’s investment in high-quality training and technologies. I also want to recognize the strong work done by the SEMRECC dispatchers on this call. Their communications expertise helped our officers resolve this potentially lethal incident with no bloodshed. This outcome was the result of a true team effort.”
PINNIX was scheduled for arraignment this morning in Attleboro District Court.
These are allegations. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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