Raynham Officers Praised After Subduing Knife-Wielding Suspect

RAYNHAM (WBSM) — Two Raynham Police officers are being commended for their restraint and professionalism in subduing a woman armed with a knife who allegedly lunged at the officers.

Officers Respond to Well-Being Check

According to a Raynham Police press release, Officer Brian Silva and Sgt. Frank Pacheco responded to an apartment at 130 Briarcliff Road at about 8:16 p.m. on April 2 for a well-being check.

Victim Found With Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

They were met outside the apartment by a 26-year-old man suffering from slash wounds that were not life-threatening. He said he had been slashed by his roommate, a 26-year-old woman, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Suspect Advances With Knife Toward Officers

Officers went to the apartment and made contact with the woman, who was holding a knife. Sgt. Pacheco told her multiple times to drop the knife, but she did not comply and instead allegedly advanced toward the officers with the knife still in her hand.

Taser Deployment Brings Situation Under Control

The officers then attempted to create distance between themselves and the woman and continued to urge her to drop the knife. Officer Silva drew his Taser, and as she continued advancing toward the officers, he deployed the Taser once she was within arm’s reach.

She then dropped the knife, and the officers were able to safely place her in handcuffs.

Police said the victim was transported to Boston Medical Center-South in Brockton for his injuries, while the suspect was also taken to the hospital for evaluation. She will be summonsed to Taunton District Court at a later date on a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.

"Incidents involving a weapon can escalate very quickly and pose a serious threat to officers and others nearby," Raynham Police Chief David LaPlante said. "Sgt. Pacheco and Officer Silva gave clear commands and worked to create distance, and Officer Silva used his Taser when the suspect continued advancing toward them. Their actions and restraint brought a very dangerous situation under control and allowed them to resolve the situation without further injury."