LAKEVILLE — Chief Matthew Perkins reports that the Lakeville Police Department is investigating the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting that took place early Friday.
At 3:45 a.m. Friday, a Lakeville Police officer was monitoring traffic near the intersection of Precinct and Pickens streets. A man approached the officer and confronted him, displaying what appeared to be a black handgun. The officer retreated behind his cruiser, drew his service weapon and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect did not comply.
During the confrontation, an off-duty Massachusetts state trooper was driving by and stopped to render assistance to the Lakeville officer.
The officer and the trooper repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply. During the exchange, the suspect took an aggressive stance and raised the weapon. At this time, fearing for their safety, both fired, striking the suspect. The officers secured the suspect’s weapon and immediately rendered emergency medical aid to the man.
The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.
He will face a number of charges, including Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. His name is not being released at this time, pending the issuance of a criminal complaint.
The Lakeville officer was taken off duty and the service weapons of the officer and trooper have been taken as part of the investigation, as is standard procedure in any police-involved shooting.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. The roads in the immediate vicinity of the scene remain closed at this time.
Chief Perkins would also like to notify the community that there is no danger to the public at this time, however motorists are urged to avoid the area.
The identities of the officer and trooper involved are not being released at this time. Body-camera footage of the incident exists, and it will be released at some point.
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