CANTON, MA — Two police officers successfully de-escalated a situation involving an armed individual experiencing a mental health crisis inside the police station lobby on Wednesday afternoon.
On Jan. 21, at about 3:40 p.m., an individual walked into the Canton Police Department at 1492 Washington St. with what appeared to be a handgun and threatened to shoot officers.
Two officers spoke with the individual through a lobby door and attempted to de-escalate the situation through conversation.
The individual, a 36-year-old Canton resident, continued to threaten officers while brandishing the weapon.
Amid de-escalation efforts, the magazine fell out of the weapon.
Canton Police officers deployed a Taser to gain control of the individual and the weapon.
Police determined the weapon was a realistic-looking airsoft gun that would only fire non-lethal plastic pellets.
The individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Criminal charges will be filed at a later date.
“I want to commend the professionalism and incredible restraint shown by our officers in an extremely dangerous situation,” said Interim Chief Joseph Perkins.
“They relied on their training and expertise and focused on de-escalation, even while facing a real and immediate threat.
Because of the officers’ actions, this situation was resolved without injury, and the individual was connected with the appropriate mental health services.”
