The Middlesex District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police have concluded their investigation into the May 22 non-fatal shooting of 31-year-old Dominique Long by Malden Police Officer Amanda Grenier. After responding to an altercation involving Long and a woman, where Long was later charged with multiple crimes including armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon, officers confronted him. According to the statement released by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, when the police arrived, Long allegedly threatened another witness with a knife.
As the confrontation escalated, Malden Police stated that Long refused to put down his items when commanded, subsequently pulling a knife and advancing on Officer Cameron Selfridge. Attempts to subdue Long with Tasers proved ineffective, and Officer Grenier, facing a suspect still advancing, discharged her firearm, striking Long. The investigation's findings stated, "Officer Amanda Grenier was reasonable in her belief that there existed imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm" to her colleague. In the wake of the investigation's findings, no criminal charges against the officer will be pursued.
The report on the incident has been partially redacted “to protect the integrity of the criminal case currently pending against Mr. Long as well as to ensure Mr. Long’s right to a fair trial,” the DA's office explained. Key parts of witness testimony and names have been withheld. Media and public access to police reports and related documents have been restricted due to their classification as “investigatory materials” that if released, might undermine effective law enforcement.
Concurrently, Dominique Long faces several charges stemming from the initial altercation that led to the police confrontation. He allegedly attacked the woman involved in the dispute and intimidated her as she attempted to record him, before finally brandishing a knife. Following his recovery, Long will stand trial; officers involved have been deemed justified in their use of force by the district attorney after the involved parties struggled to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
The incident has stirred discussions in the community regarding police response tactics and the boundaries of reasonable force. Advocates for police reform cite cases like Long's as examples where de-escalation tactics might alter outcomes. As the case unfolds, the full, unredacted report will become available upon the prosecution's conclusion, providing a clearer picture of the events leading to the shooting.
