Mansfield Police De-Escalate Potentially Deadly Domestic Incident

MANSFIELD (WBSM) — Mansfield Police arrested a potentially armed man after de-escalating a tense situation this morning.

According to Police Chief Ronald Sellon, a report of a possible domestic assault at a West Mansfield home came in just after midnight. The reporting party, who was not involved in the assault, told the dispatcher that “the suspect was intoxicated, making suicidal threats and armed with a knife,” Sellon said.

How the Midnight Domestic Call Unfolded

Officers Justin I. Pena, Alexander Ferraz and Gregory Martell arrived and made contact with the suspect, identified as Jeffrey J. Pinnix, 51, of Mansfield. Sellon said Pinnix made direct violent threats toward the officers. Officer Scott Brown arrived on the scene to assist, while Pena and Ferraz retrieved 40mm less-than-lethal bean bag launchers.

Pinnix barricaded himself inside the home. When he emerged a short time later, he engaged in a brief scuffle with officers, who had to tase him twice. Pinnix was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest.

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Chief Sellon Praises De-Escalation Efforts

“This incident could have easily escalated into a deadly situation," Sellon said. "Officers Pena, Ferraz, Martell and Brown handled this situation safely and professionally. They knew the suspect possessed a weapon. However, our officers met his threats and suicidal behavior with strategy and empathy.”

“Although we train hard to avoid lethal force in a situation like this, these incidents don't always end well,” he said. “I salute these four Mansfield Police officers for saving a man's life while protecting the victim, themselves and fellow officers."

Pinnix was scheduled for arraignment this morning in Attleboro District Court.