Plymouth County Sheriff's Deputy James Creed is speaking out after a report released on Wednesday by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office called the shooting of Taunton Stabbing Rampage suspect Arthur DaRosa "lawful" and "justified."

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Creed told NBC10 that he gave DaRosa ample opportunity to surrender before he took action.

"He just had a strange, glazed over look in his eyes," said Creed "very serious, in all honesty, I was just trying to give him every chance to comply and get on the ground before I had to do anything."

Rosemary Heath's husband, George, was killed by DaRosa when he intervened in DaRosa's assault on pregnant waitress Sheenah Savoy.

Rosemary Heath said that Creed and his wife Laura, who treated the victims after DaRosa was shot, were heroes.

“I love them, I am so thankful for the two of them,” said Heath.

While Creed is credited with ultimately ending the rampage, he says George Heath, who also worked as a teacher at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School, was the real hero.

"He intervened," Creed said, "he was up and wrestling with DaRosa before I could even react."

Heath's bravery is being honored by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office who have named their new police K-9 dog, Heath, in his memory.

 

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