Officer fires weapon during tense confrontation in Adams no injuries reported
ADAMS, MA – A chaotic 911 call reporting a stabbing led to a tense confrontation Tuesday night in Adams, where an officer discharged a firearm during an encounter with a man who investigators say had injured himself and acted alone.
The incident unfolded just before 8:40 p.m. when a man later identified as Mr. White called 911 claiming his friend had been stabbed and that there was blood throughout the location. Officers were dispatched to 31 Commercial Street minutes later. When an officer arrived around 8:43 p.m., Mr. White was observed approaching in a threatening manner while holding an object, according to investigators.
An officer fired a single round, but the bullet did not strike Mr. White or anyone else. He was taken into custody shortly afterward without further incident.
Evidence gathered at the scene, including blood found on the sidewalk, entryway, and inside the residence, indicates Mr. White sustained sharp force injuries that were self-inflicted. Investigators say there is no indication another person was involved, despite the initial report to 911.
Mr. White was transported to Berkshire Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition while undergoing a mental health evaluation. Authorities confirmed he has three outstanding warrants and is expected to be arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court later Tuesday.
The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Body-worn camera footage captured the incident, and detectives are interviewing witnesses and officers while awaiting a ballistics report from the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Identification Section.
The officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure. A full report will be released once the investigation is complete.
Key Points
- An Adams officer fired a weapon during a confrontation Tuesday night, but no one was struck
- Investigators believe the man involved injured himself and acted alone
- The incident is under investigation by the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit
