Man shot by officers was wielding a pellet gun, says police chief
Methuen police shot a man who they say rushed at officers while wielding a pellet gun Thursday night.
Police had posted a photo of a suspect in an armed robbery that took place around 9 a.m. Thursday at the Pleasant Valley Superette, a local convenience store.
James J. Dobbins, 36, of Methuen, then called police saying he was the man in the photo and wanted to know why officers were looking for him, Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon said at a press conference Friday morning. Dobbins asked officers to meet him in the parking lot of the apartment complex because he did not have a ride to the station.
Four detectives were already on route to the apartment complex with a warrant for the robbery, according to police.
When officers arrived, Dobbins was already waiting for them in the parking lot with his hands in his pockets and then pointed what appeared to be a black firearm at two officers, according to Solomon. Two officers fired at Dobbins who then charged at the other two officers. The second set of officers also fired at Dobbins. At the end of the exchange, Dobbins was shot four times by officers.
“It’s our belief the subject intentionally pointed the weapon to illicit lethal force,” Solomon said during the press conference.
None of the responding officers were not injured during the shooting. Dobbins was taken to a Boston hospital and is in stable condition, police said.
All four officers were placed on procedural leave after firing their service weapons.
Dobbins has been charged with armed robbery while masked, and police said additional chargers will likely follow.
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