An investigation is underway after a man attacked a police officer, took their department-issued pistol, and shot himself during a scuffle near Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the incident occurred soon before 8:45 a.m. on Cambridge Street, sparking a major emergency response near the hospital.
“The detail officer, while performing a detail in the area, was approached by someone who appeared to be suffering from some sort of mental health issue,” Cox stated at the time. “Somehow [he] attacked the officer in some shape or form, was able to get a hold of the officer’s firearm, and discharged at least one round.”
According to Cox, the suspect, whose name has not been revealed, received a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Cox reported that numerous good Samaritans rushed to the officer’s aid and assisted in subduing the gunman.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude for the assistance from the people who were there,” Cox told reporters. “We appreciate that tremendously.”
Eddy Rivera told reporters that he heard a gunshot and dashed toward the officer to assist in apprehending the perpetrator.
“I saw a lady rattled, cops were across the street and yelling out for help,” Rivera told me afterwards. “So I went across the street and jumped on the guy, straddling his chest and grabbing his arm. Apparently, he stole the cop’s gun and shot himself in the femur.
Cox stated that the cop who was attacked is doing “OK.”
The culprit was eventually apprehended and transported to a hospital for treatment.
It was not immediately apparent what accusations the individual would face.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden acknowledged in a statement that his office will look into the shooting.
“We responded to the Cambridge Street gunshot site this morning. “We will conduct a thorough investigation into all discharges involving an officer’s weapon,” Hayden stated. “We are thankful that the Boston Police officers on scene contained the situation so that it resulted in no injuries to themselves or members of the public and apparent minimal injury to the suspect involved.”
