New Bedford Police De-Escalated Man Armed With Knife

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — On the afternoon on Monday, March 4, police were called to a residence regarding an emotionally disturbed person. According to officers, the male had expressed both suicidal and homicidal ideation.

Upon arrival, police located the male sitting in a parked vehicle. He was holding a kitchen knife, to which he gestured.

Officers and family members spoke to the male to calm him down. The male eventually surrendered his weapon, exited the vehicle and accompanied the police to the hospital.

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“I’m proud of the officers’ approach to this call and their commitment to de-escalation during an extremely volatile situation," Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. "In the past, police were conditioned to simply charge recklessly forward to resolve a perceived threat. Today, officers are taking the time to consider all their options. That’s exactly what happened here, and the result couldn’t have been better."

Police said that if you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, you can call or text the Behavioral Health Line at 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Also, the Crisis Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling (508) 996-3154. The New Bedford Police Department has a clinician response during certain hours by calling 911.

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