A welfare check at a Raynham apartment turned into a knife incident Thursday night when two officers used a Taser on a 26-year-old woman who allegedly slashed her roommate, then advanced toward police with a knife, according to authorities.
Police say the roommate, a 26-year-old man, suffered slash wounds that were not life-threatening and was transported for treatment. After officers deployed a Taser, the woman dropped the knife and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She is set to be summonsed to Taunton District Court on a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, police said.
Officers Respond To Welfare Check
Officer Brian Silva and Sgt. Frank Pacheco were dispatched to 130 Briarcliff Road at about 8:16 p.m. on April 2 for a welfare check, according to a Raynham Police press release reported by WBSM.
When they arrived, officers found a 26-year-old man outside the apartment with slash wounds. Police say the man reported that his roommate had slashed him and that she appeared to be under the influence.
Taser Used After Knife Allegedly Raised On Officers
Inside the apartment, Sgt. Pacheco gave repeated commands for the woman to drop the knife, but police say she continued to move toward the officers. Once she got within arm's reach, Officer Silva deployed his Taser, allowing officers to move in and safely handcuff her, The Enterprise reported.
The injured man was transported to Boston Medical Center–South in Brockton with non-life-threatening injuries, while the woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to the report.
Chief Praises Officers' Restraint
Raynham Police Chief David LaPlante said in the department's statement that these situations can spiral quickly, especially when weapons are involved.
"Incidents involving a weapon can escalate very quickly and pose a serious threat to officers and others nearby," LaPlante said, crediting the officers' commands and restraint in handling the call. WBSM published the department release containing the chief's comments.
What Comes Next In The Case
Police say the woman, whose name has not been released, is expected to be summonsed to Taunton District Court on a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
The Enterprise reports that the department characterized the officers' actions as bringing a dangerous situation under control and resolving the incident without any further injuries.
