Marion Police Subdue Knife-Wielding Man During Well-Being Call

MARION — Police in Marion today were able to successfully restrain a man with a knife who threatened to harm first responders and himself.

According to a release from Police Chief Richard Nighelli, Marion Police received a 911 call at around 1:30 p.m. today from a Joanne Drive resident and quickly responded for a well-being check. Nighelli reported that while Marion Police and Marion Fire EMS were assisting the man, “he became agitated and armed himself with a large knife with an eight-to-10-inch blade. The man pointed the knife in a threatening manner at first responders multiple times before then pointing the knife at himself.”

Officer Connor Flynn then used his Taser on the man, but to no effect, Nighelli said. Flynn then used a chemical irritant spray and the man dropped the knife. Police secured the weapon and Officer Flynn and Officer Stephen Dawson placed him in custody.

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There were no injuries in the incident, but the man was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Although no charges have been filed, Nighelli said the investigation is ongoing. The man’s name is not being released.

“I would like to commend Officers Flynn and Dawson and all those who responded to the scene for remaining calm and professional during this entire incident,” Nighelli said. “First responders are trained to be ready should any incident escalate suddenly, and the restraint shown here prevented a potentially tragic situation from occurring.”