WEST BOYLSTON — On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 4:12 p.m., officers with the West Boylston Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the Bowles Avenue area following a report that a man who was armed with multiple knives, had made suicidal statements to his girlfriend.
According to the West Boylston Police Department, the man said he intended to harm himself, as well as any police officers who responded. Police said he also indicated that he intended “suicide by cop.”
The man was believed to be alone inside his apartment, and his girlfriend was taken to a safe location, according to West Boylston police.
When officers arrived on scene, they established a perimeter and began evacuating surrounding apartments. Crisis negotiators attached to the CEMLEC SWAT team were called and responded to the scene.
After briefly communicating with crisis negotiators, the man came out of his apartment carrying two knives, and then began running toward the officers on scene with one of the knives held over his head, the West Boylston Police Department reported.
Officers used a Taser to subdue the man. He was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital for evaluation.
No officers were injured.
West Boylston Acting Police Chief Thomas Balvin thanked Wachusett Regional Dispatch, the West Boylston Fire Department, Boylston police, Holden police, and CEMLEC SWAT for helping bring the situation to a safe conclusion.
