SWAT team subdues armed man in North Grafton

Photo courtesy of Ken Cleveland

An armed man was subdued by a SWAT team Saturday morning on East Street during a stand-off with Grafton Police.

The unnamed man, who was described as “acting strangely, possibly due to intoxication or mental health issues,” allegedly threatened a second man at 25 East Street by pointing a gun at him after vandalizing his vehicle, Grafton Police Chief Normand Crepeau said in a news release.

Police Sgt. Michael Mazzola and Officer Thomas Farrell found the armed man, who refused to comply with the officers, in the rear yard, retreating to a fenced-in area.

Officers from Shrewsbury and Massachusetts State Police, including the MSP Air Wing, responded to assist, creating a perimeter around the scene. An additional call was placed to the CEMLEC SWAT Unit with a negotiator to speak with the subject.  

The man continued to act erratically, coming out from the fenced in area periodically to yell at officers.  He was later subdued by members of the SWAT Unit.  

No injuries were reported and there was no danger to residents in the area, Crepeau said.

The subject was taken into custody and transported to Umass Medical Center under police guard for mental health evaluation. The subject’s name is being withheld pending positive identification.  

The investigation is continuing and criminal charges will be forthcoming. 

“We wish to thank the members of CEMLEC SWAT, Shrewsbury PD, Millbury PD, MA State Police, Worcester PD and WCSO for their rapid response and assistance in bringing this incident to a successful, and peaceful, conclusion,” Crepeau said.   

State Rep. David Muradian expressed praise for how the incident was handled.

“The situation today in Grafton could have ended with a much worse outcome, if not for the great police work of the responding officers,” he wrote. “My heartfelt thanks for keeping our community safe, as always. This underscores the importance of providing resources to these brave men and women. The mutual cooperation and aid from many surrounding departments is extremely appreciated!”

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