BOSTON — A man experiencing an apparent mental health crisis grabbed a Boston police officer’s firearm and shot himself near Massachusetts General Hospital this morning, according to Police Commissioner Michael Cox.
The incident occurred just before 8:45 a.m. on Cambridge Street, where the officer was working a detail.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the incident during a summer safety news conference in Dorchester. According to CBS Boston, Cox said the suspect allegedly “somehow attacked” the officer, took the officer’s firearm, and used it to shoot himself. He sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
“We are very thankful that no one was seriously injured,” Cox said. “The suspect took the officer’s gun and ended up hurting himself, shooting himself with it.”
Cox thanked bystanders who helped the officer detain the man and said the officer is doing okay. A full investigation is underway, and the suspect is expected to be arraigned later today after receiving medical care.
“There’s always something that pops up and the job of our officers, whether they’re officially on duty or they’re working a detail or even sometimes if they’re off duty with their families, is a constant call,” Wu said. “So I want to thank them again for everything.”
A spokesperson for MGH said the hospital “is open and operating normally.” Patients were advised to allow extra travel time due to increased traffic in the area.
