Burlington police shoot man with knife who called 911 in mental crisis

A man suffered life-threatening injuries after he was shot by Burlington police officers Sunday as he came towards them with a knife.

A 911 call was received at around noon by a man who said he was having “mental health issues”, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

The man in his 40s was on the phone with emergency services during the entire episode, and said he was “unsure how he would respond when the officers arrived,” Ryan said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they were told to wait outside for assistance. The two responding officers remained on the phone with the man and were outside their cruisers when he reportedly emerged from the building, still in possession of the knife. One officer shot at him with a rubber bullet, but he still moved towards the officers and another officer took a second shot with a live round, forcing the man to stop.

The man is currently being treated at a local hospital. One of the officers sustained minor injuries from the incident and both responding officers were also taken to a local hospital. 

The incident is under investigation, and the man’s name is being withheld while family members are notified.

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