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Marshfield officer injured after well-being check turns violent, police say
Two officers were transported to the hospital, including Officer Sergeant Liam Rooney who suffered "severe bleeding" after he was hit with a 8-inch ceramic statue, the department said.
A Marshfield officer responding to a well-being check last week was left bloodied after being hit over the head with a ceramic statue by a 42-year-old woman, police said.
Gina Martell, of Marshfield, was restrained and transported in an ambulance after the encounter but suffered no physical injuries, the department said. She is facing charges that include assault with intent to murder or maim, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Marshfield police responded to Martell’s apartment last Monday with a mental health clinician after a family member requested a well-being check on Martell, who has had violent encounters with officers and has been armed in the past, the department said.
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When officers arrived, she “screamed at them to get a warrant. She then screamed and exhibited delusional and paranoid behavior,” according to Marshfield police.
Police said the clinician determined on site that Martell should be hospitalized, and the family members gave officers the keys to enter her apartment.
When officers entered, police said Martell was aggressive and picked up an 8-inch long ceramic statue. She “began towards the officer in a threatening manner,” police said. Another officer tased her, police said, to “minimal” effect.
She hit the statue over Officer Sergeant Liam Rooney’s head, which caused a deep laceration and severe bleeding, police said. Three officers, including Rooney, then wrestled the weapon from her and handcuffed her.
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Two officers were transported to a local hospital after the incident.
“Both Marshfield Officers will fortunately make a full recovery,” Lieutenant Arthur Shaw wrote. “This easily could have been a catastrophic ending resulting in much more severe injuries or even death to the officers involved. They acted with extreme professionalism and restraint during the entire encounter.”
According to court records, Martell did not appear at her court arraignments last week.
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