Contact: Benjamin Paulin Phone: 781-742-3922 Email: ben@jgpr.net
Suspect Who Shot at Officers in Middleborough Found Dead Inside Home
Suspect Appears to Have Taken His Own Life
MIDDLEBOROUGH — Chief Joseph Perkins and Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz report that a Middleborough man, who fired upon officers who were executing an arrest warrant, was found dead inside of his home after a seven-hour standoff with police Wednesday afternoon.
Residents and business owners should be advised that the area is now safe and most officers are clearing the scene.
John Mann, age 38, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after police breached the Wareham Street home.
A rifle and two handguns were recovered from inside the home and seized as evidence.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Middleboro Police officers we’re assisting the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Unit with the execution of an arrest warrant at a home at 469 Wareham St.
While at the house a K9 officer went to the rear of the home and was allegedly fired upon by Mann. Mann allegedly fired one round and the officers all retreated to safety. No officers were injured.
Mann then barricaded himself inside the house.
Several more officers responded to the scene, including the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) SWAT Unit, and a perimeter was established.
A reverse 911 call was sent out to residents to notify them to shelter in place and avoid the area.
Several attempts were made to contact the suspect but were unsuccessful in doing so.
Eventually the house was breached by officers and they located Mann’s body on the first floor in the rear of the home. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the home was being searched and the incident is still under investigation.
Middleborough Police Department
Joseph Perkins, Chief of Police
99 N. Main St.
Middleborough, MA 02346
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
*BREAKING NEWS*
Armed Fugitive Opens Fire on Middleborough Police
Police and Sheriff’s Department Were Serving Warrant on Wanted Suspect
Media covering this incident should stage on Smith Street at Route 28.
MIDDLEBOROUGH — Police Chief Joseph Perkins reports that the Middleborough Police Department is urging businesses and residents between I-495 and Locust Street, along Route 28, to shelter in place after an armed fugitive opened fire on police officers this morning and has since barricaded himself inside a residence.
Middleborough Police and deputies from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Unit were serving an arrest warrant on a wanted fugitive this morning. Police arrived at the home at 469 Wareham St. at 9:30 a.m. Upon seeing the officers approach, the suspect opened fire with a long gun.
No one was struck. Police pulled back, took cover and established a perimeter around the house. The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team has been called to the scene for mutual aid. The SWAT Team is made up of highly trained police officers from throughout the region, who report to Chief Perkins when requested.
The fugitive is barricaded inside the home, and officers are working to negotiate his peaceful and safe surrender.
Route 28 (Wareham Street) is closed in both directions between I-495 and Spruce Street. Motorists should avoid the area.
The residence in question is the only home in an otherwise commercial/industrial area of town.
Additional information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
Contact: Benjamin Paulin Phone: 781-428-3299 Email: ben@jgpr.net
SEMLEC Provides Update on SWAT Officer Injured During Training Exercise Wednesday
Injured Officer Released From Hospital
On the left, the 37mm projectile launcher that was destroyed when it was fired during a Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT training exercise on Wednesday, April 4, in Bridgewater. The incident severely injured the hand of a Middleborough Police Officer. On the right is an undamaged 37mm launcher. (Photo courtesy Bridgewater Police)
The 37mm projectile launcher that was destroyed when it was fired during a Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT training exercise on Wednesday, April 4, in Bridgewater. The incident severely injured the hand of a Middleborough Police Officer. (Photo courtesy Bridgewater Police)
Note for media members: Today at 3:45 p.m. at the Bridgewater Police Department, 220 Pleasant St., SEMLEC President and Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte and SEMLEC SWAT Assistant Control Chief and Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily will be available to speak to the media.
BRIDGEWATER – The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins would like to provide an update on the Middleborough Police Officer that was injured during a training exercise on Wednesday, and the subsequent investigation.
A preliminary investigation indicates that on Wednesday, April 4, the officer was using a 37mm projectile launcher loaded with training rounds to aid in a SWAT training exercise in Bridgewater, when the device exploded in his hands.
The device was a Model 201-Z Federal 1.5 Caliber Gas Gun (using 37mm rounds).
The ensuing investigation by Bridgewater Police indicates that the device malfunctioned in the officers hands while he was training to do his job in the normal performance of his duties.The device broke into several pieces and a portion of the barrel was split in half.
The officer, whose name is not being released publicly, was released from the hospital on Thursday and is back home and in good spirits. He underwent successful surgery on one of his hands and will now begin a rehabilitation and recovery process.
“I am very glad to see that our officer is back home with his family and I would like to thank the staff at Mass. General for the great care that they provided and their hospitality for the many officers and family members that went to visit him,” Chief Perkins said. “I would like to commend our officer for his high spirits and professionalism during this unfortunate ordeal. We wish him a speedy recovery and everyone in Middleborough and the 30 communities that SEMLEC represents sends their well wishes and positive thoughts.”
The injuries sustained to his left hand include severe lacerations and the permanent partial amputation of one of his finger tips.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing by the Bridgewater Police Department. The use of the projectile launcher and training rounds used will be suspended by SEMLEC while the investigation remains open.
Other local law enforcement councils and SWAT units will be notified of the situation to help prevent any similar incidents from occurring.
Investigators will be contacting the manufacturer of the projectile launcher and training rounds to determine what went wrong.
“All factors will be looked at, including the age of the device, the training round that was used and whether there were any defects in the products. At this point, all indications are that it was not the officer’s error but a defective device that malfunctioned in his hands,” Chief Delmonte said. “This is life-saving training and while this incident was not typical, these officers are trained for dangerous situations and the training can sometimes pose inherent risks. These elite SEMLEC officers are part of one of the most highly-trained units in the region, with the singular mission of saving lives during a critical incident. This officer was training to do his job when he was injured in the performance of his duties.”
At approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Bridgewater Police and Fire received a 911 call from a member of SEMLEC SWAT requesting an ambulance for an officer who sustained a hand injury during a training program on the exterior grounds of MCI Bridgewater.
Upon arrival, rescuers found the officer with a serious wound to one of his hands. The officer was treated at the scene and transported by a Bridgewater Fire Department ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
While not carried by officers in the normal course of their duties, the 37mm launcher is used for a variety of SWAT operations including smoke screens, high visibility flares, decoy noisemaker rounds, “Flash Bang” style stun projectiles, and training rounds that emit smoke and/or noise.
At this time, it is not clear when or if the officer would be able to return to his duties.
Middleborough Police Officer Seriously Injured During SEMLEC SWAT Training in Bridgewater
BRIDGEWATER – Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT Unit Control Chief (Raynham Police Chief) James Donovan, Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte, and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins regret to report that a Middleborough Police Officer was seriously injured Wednesday morning during a regional police training exercise in Bridgewater.
Bridgewater Police and Fire received a 911 call shortly after 11 a.m. from a member of SEMLEC SWAT requesting an ambulance for an officer who sustained a hand injury during a training program on the exterior grounds of MCI Bridgewater.
Upon arrival, rescuers found a Middleborough Police Officer with a serious wound to one of his hands. The officer was treated at the scene and transported by Bridgewater Fire Department Ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
A preliminary investigation by the Bridgewater Police Department indicates that the officer, whose name is not being released, was using a 37 mm projectile launcher loaded with training rounds to aid in the SWAT training exercise when the device exploded in his hands. At this time, investigators believe that the device malfunctioned.
While not carried by officers in the normal course of their duties, the 37mm launcher is used for a variety of SWAT operations including smoke screens, high visibility flares, decoy noisemaker rounds, “Flash Bang” style stun grenades, and training rounds that emit smoke and/or noise.
“The officer was conducting high-level training as a member of our region’s vital SWAT unit when what appears to be a terrible accident occurred that left him with serious injuries,” Chief Perkins said. “We wish our officer all the best as he receives treatment for his wounds.”
This incident remains under investigation by the Bridgewater Police Department.
Fairhaven Police Department
Kevin W. Kobza, Lieutenant/PIO
1 Bryant St.
Fairhaven, MA 02719
For Immediate Release
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Fairhaven Police and SEMLEC Respond After Man Barricaded Himself Inside a Home
FAIRHAVEN — Lt. Kevin Kobza reports that the Fairhaven Police Department and SEMLEC responded to a home in Fairhaven, where an individual had barricaded himself inside, and that the situation has ended without incident.
At 8:38 a.m., Fairhaven Police officers attempting to make contact with a resident at 18 Winsegansett Ave. were turned away by a resident who then barricaded himself inside the home. SEMLEC units subsequently responded to the scene and, working under the local control of Fairhaven Police, helped to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
The man, who was alone inside the home and not in possession of any firearms, was taken into custody at approximately 12:30 p.m. Prior to bringing him into custody, Fairhaven Police had reason to believe the subject may have been armed with a knife.
His name is not being released at this time, and there is no threat to the community.
South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council
Search and Rescue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil Phone: 617-993-0003 Email: john@jgpr.net
Photos: SEMLEC Search and Rescue Holds Successful Training Exercise in Dartmouth
DARTMOUTH — The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) reports that members of its Search and Rescue unit held a successful training session at a Dartmouth nature preserve on Tuesday.
The training exercises took place on the property of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust near Cornell Farm on Smith Neck Road.
The officers trained with SafetyNet tracking device technology. The personal devices, worn as bracelets, are meant to help locate missing people who are at-risk due to illness or disorders like dementia, epilepsy, autism and Down syndrome.
The officers separated into groups and successfully located multiple tracking bracelets that were hidden in the woods. Each bracelet had its own unique frequency that the officers followed with tracking beacons.
The groups then participated in mock searches where they located two officers who were each wearing one of the bracelets and hiding in separate locations in the woods.
“We have hundreds of residents throughout Plymouth and Bristol counties that wear these devices and every minute that goes by when an at-risk person is missing is crucial,” said Dartmouth Police patrolman Scott Affonce, who helped to lead the training session. “This training is a vital resource for our officers when active search operations are initiated and our unit is mobilized.”
South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council
Search and Rescue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Feb. 12, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil Phone: 617-993-0003 Email: john@jgpr.net
SEMLEC Search and Rescue Training to be Held at Dartmouth Nature Preserve
DARTMOUTH — The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council reports that members of the Search and Rescue Unit will be training at a Dartmouth nature preserve on Tuesday.
The training exercises will take place on the property of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust near Cornell Farm on Smith Neck Road. The training will go from late morning until mid-afternoon.
Residents and guests of the preserve should not be alarmed by the police presence.
The officers will be training with Safety Net and Project Livesaver tracking device technology. The devices are meant to help locate missing people who are at-risk, with illnesses and developmental disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Epilepsy, autism and down syndrome.
The officers will separate into groups of three or four and will each attempt to locate tracking bracelets that are hidden in the woods. Each bracelet has its own unique frequency that the officers will follow.
The group will then attempt to locate a person wearing one of the bracelets in the woods, in a mock search of a missing person.
Raynham Police Department
Chief James Donovan
53 Orchard St.,
Raynham, MA 02767
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Raynham Police Respond after Man Barricades Himself Inside Home
Members of South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) SWAT Unit Provide Mutual Aid
Multiple guns were seized from a home in Raynham after a man allegedly made threats to harm himself and others and barricaded himself inside the house Monday night, Jan. 1. (Raynham Police)
RAYNHAM — Chief James Donovan reports that the Raynham Police Department is investigating after a man barricaded himself inside his home and allegedly made violent threats towards himself and others, including members of law enforcement.
At approximately 5:17 p.m., Raynham Police officers responded to a home on New Carver Street for a report of a man who had barricaded himself in a bedroom. The man allegedly said he would shoot and kill any police officers that responded to the home.
Raynham Police requested the assistance of the South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) SWAT team. Taunton Police and an Environmental Police officer, who happened to be near the home at the time, responded to assist. Nearby homes were evacuated and a perimeter was established out of an abundance of caution.
A Raynham Police detective and crisis negotiator was able to speak with the man and convinced him to come out of the house without further incident. The man, a 76-year-old Raynham resident, was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
Six firearms were seized from a safe inside the home as evidence. The firearms were legally owned by another resident.
“Anytime you get someone making the kind of threats he was making, and there is the potential for firearms to be involved, it has to be taken seriously. That is why I called for the SEMLEC SWAT unit to respond,” Chief Donovan said. “I want to commend and thank our officers and our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this incident. They dropped whatever they were doing on a holiday to respond to a potentially dangerous incident in the bitter cold and we were able to get a result where thankfully no one was injured.”
The incident is being actively investigated by the Raynham Police Department. The man is likely to face a number of charges and would be arraigned at Taunton District Court at a date to be determined.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council
SWAT Team
Under the Local Control of the:
Wareham Police Department
Police Chief Kevin D. Walsh
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil Phone: 617-993-0003 Email: john@jgpr.net
Wareham Police Respond After Man Barricades Himself Inside Motel Room
WAREHAM – Chief Kevin D. Walsh reports that the Wareham Police Department, and members of the South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) SWAT Team, have placed a man in custody after he allegedly barricaded himself inside of a motel room.
At approximately 7 a.m., Wareham Police were called to the Silver Lake Motel, 3026 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham. A 36-year-old Raynham man allegedly made threats to harm himself and said he had a weapon. The SEMLEC SWAT Team was mobilized and responded to the scene.
Those staying in surrounding motel rooms were evacuated.
After efforts to deescalate the situation, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the SEMLEC officers made forced entry to the motel room and placed the man in custody. The man suffered minor injuries when he was subdued by a K-9.
He was taken to Tobey Hospital to be evaluated. The matter remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time. Because he has not been charged with a crime, his name will not be released.
No weapons were found in the room and he was the only person inside during the incident. The initial stages of the investigation indicate that there was no immediate threat to the public.
Massachusetts State Police also assisted at the scene.
“I’m proud of the job done by our Wareham officers, SEMLEC and the State Police today,” Chief Walsh said. “Thankfully they were able to resolve this situation peacefully and safely.”
South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council
SWAT Team
Under the Local Control of the:
Wareham Police Department
Police Chief Kevin D. Walsh
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 10, 2017
Media Contact: John Guilfoil Phone: 617-993-0003 Email: john@jgpr.net
Police Investigating Email Threat Against Wareham Schools
Mutual Aid Requested, Under Direction of the Wareham Police Department
WAREHAM — Police Chief Kevin D. Walsh reports that there is a police presence at Wareham Public Schools today due to an anonymous email threat received earlier in the day.
Earlier Monday, an administrator received an anonymous email from an individual threatening to harm others.
Out of an abundance of caution, Wareham High School, Wareham Middle School, and the Minot Forest Elementary School, all of which had summer school and other educational activities occurring today, have been evacuated and are being searched by police.
Under the command and direction of Chief Walsh, the South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team has been activated, and Wareham is also receiving mutual aid support from the Cape Cod Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team and the Massachusetts State Police STOP Team.
The mutual aid request has sent a large quantity of police resources to assist Wareham, including Raynham Police Chief James Donovan, who reports to Chief Walsh as the SEMLEC SWAT Commander.
Students and school officials are being transported to the Gleason Family YMCA, located at 33 Charge Pond Road in Wareham, where students will be released to their parents or guardians.
“We understand that the large police presence may be alarming to some, but our number one priority is that the children and school officials are safe, and we do not take any chances when it comes to that,” Chief Walsh said. “I want to thank everyone in the community for their support and patience as we conduct a thorough search of the schools, and I am grateful for the tremendous mutual aid network in south eastern Massachusetts that allows our department to temporarily grow in size and scope to address this incident.”
At this time, there is no reason to believe that there is any danger to the community, however these actions are necessary to ensure the safety and security of all.
Members of the media are advised that they will not be allowed on school property. A media staging area has been established at the former Tremont Nail Company. Any media availabilities by police will occur at that location.
For Immediate Release
