Man Shot by Police in Hinsdale Incident Dies
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office released information based on the preliminary investigation of the shooting on Off South, a narrow dead-end street with three homes. More information, including the identity of the person, will be provided during a press conference on Friday afternoon.
"One civilian and two officers were shot. The civilian succumbed to his injuries in the late afternoon of January 7th while at Berkshire Medical Center," the DA wrote on Thursday regarding the incident that happened around 11 a.m. the previous day.
"Both officers who were shot, the Chief of the Hinsdale Police and a sergeant of the Hinsdale police, were transported to Berkshire Medical Center. The sergeant was then transported from Berkshire Medical Center to Albany Medical Center and continues to remain in their care. The sergeant's injuries are serious but not life-threatening."
Timeline of events, according to the DA's investigation:
- On Tuesday, Jan. 6, just before 3 p.m, the FBI's National Threat Operation Center contacted Dalton dispatch to report information regarding the individual involved in the Jan. 7 incident. NTOC said the person was making claims that sparked mental concerns. The person implied that they lived in Dalton and the NTOC requested that the Dalton Police Department conduct a well-being check, but they were unable to locate the person.
"The NTOC said the civilian communicated that he felt paranoia that law enforcement were listening to his phone calls; that he alleged he and his family were being attacked by organized crime and other groups; and the belief that someone was attempting to lure him into a machine in his basement that would, as stated to the NTOC, 'damage the body and drain life and it [the machine] induces suicidal thoughts.' The civilian further stated that while he was not suicidal, he felt that police and others were attempting to harm him and that this was a situation requiring an urgent response."
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On Wednesday, Jan. 7, a BOLO, or be on the look out, was issued for the individual, and it was requested that law enforcement conduct a well-being check if he was found. The DA's Office stated that the person was not wanted by the FBI.
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Just before 10 a.m., Hinsdale Police Chief Shawn Boyne contacted the Dalton Communication Center about the BOLO, noting that the individual may be residing with family members at 53 Off South St. He requested that the Dalton Police co-respond for the well-being check, as the Hinsdale Police were short-staffed.
- About a half-hour later, the person placed a call to 911 and stayed on the phone for 16 minutes.
"At this time, the civilian had locked himself in a bedroom located at the back, first floor of the residence. On the call he first expressed concern that people are after him but later stated he was fine and that he wished to negotiate with police and did not want to harm himself or anyone else."
Someone could be heard in the background of the 911 call that was later identified as a juvenile family member trying to access the room that the individual had sequestered himself in.
"Later in the call, the civilian once again became agitated. Towards the end of the 911 call, a sergeant of the Hinsdale Police can be heard outside the bedroom door. The sergeant had a positive rapport with the civilian and the civilian agreed to speak with the sergeant. At this point, the 911 call was concluded."
- A total of five police officers, including Hinsdale's chief, a sergeant, a police officer, and two Dalton Police officers, responded to the home. The individual agreed to speak through the door with the sergeant, and they spoke for about 30 minutes.
After about 30 minutes, the police determined it was necessary to bring the individual into custody and that the door must be breached. The door was breached by the sergeant, and he was "immediately able to restrain the civilian against a wall."
"The civilian was holding a gun in one hand and continued to struggle, stating repeatedly 'Just kill me.' Law enforcement continued to attempt to restrain him and were able to secure him face down on a bed in the room; however, the civilian was able to hold onto his gun and continued to struggle.
"The civilian discharged his weapon, shooting the sergeant in the hand. The bullet went through the sergeant's hand and hit the Chief in his chest. The Chief was wearing a bulletproof vest. The bullet remained lodged in the vest.
"The struggle continued and an officer deployed a taser two times. The civilian was briefly subdued but then began to struggle again, continuing to express the wish that he be killed. At this time, a Hinsdale Police officer deployed his firearm which hit the sergeant in the elbow in friendly fire. The same Hinsdale Police officer deployed his firearm again and the civilian was hit in the head."
- The police and the individual were rendered aid and transferred to Berkshire Medical Center. The chief was examined and released the same day, and the sergeant was transferred to Albany Medical Center and remains there with non-life-threatening injuries. The Hinsdale Police Department is being supported by the Dalton Police and the Massachusetts State Police.
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