FALL RIVER — Fall River police shot and killed an armed man during a mental health crisis early July 15 after he fired at officers from inside his home.
Police received multiple emergency calls at approximately 1:37 a.m. from family members reporting that a male relative was experiencing a mental health crisis and expressing suicidal thoughts while armed with a firearm.
Responding officers secured the area and evacuated residents from an adjoining duplex and family members from the same home.
A trained crisis negotiator arrived at 2:25 a.m. and attempted to communicate with the man through phone calls, text messages and a loudspeaker, but was unsuccessful in establishing contact.
The department’s Emergency Services Unit arrived at 2:42 a.m. to assist with securing the residence and communication efforts.
After nearly an hour of failed attempts to establish dialogue, officers decided to breach the front entry at approximately 3:15 a.m.
When ESU officers breached the front door and positioned themselves at the threshold, the man fired at them from the top of the stairs.
Officers returned fire while repositioning away from the entryway.
ESU then deployed a flashbang distraction device and entered the home.
At approximately 3:18 a.m., officers found the man at the top of the stairs with a gunshot wound to the side of the head.
A short-barreled rifle equipped with a drum magazine was found beneath his body and a handgun was located near his hand.
Officers rendered the scene safe and requested medical assistance before taking the man into custody.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police.
