Adams, MA- At approximately 8:39pm, an individual, believed to be Mr. White, called 911. The caller reported that his friend had been stabbed and that there was blood everywhere. Two minutes after the initial call was placed, officers from the Adams Police Department were dispatched to 31 Commercial Street. At approximately, 8:43pm an Adams police officer arrived at the scene. Mr. White appeared to have suffered sharp force injuries, which were later determined to be self-inflicted. Upon arrival Mr. White was observed approaching the officer in a threatening manor with an object in his hand. The officer discharged his weapon; however, the bullet did not strike Mr. White or anyone else. Shortly after, Mr. White was brought into custody without further incident.
At approximately, 9:15pm, the B-Troop of the Massachusetts State Police were notified of an officer-involved shooting. The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene. Upon arrival, detectives observed blood around the sidewalk, entryway, and interior of 31 Commercial Street. At this time, early evidence suggests that Mr. White both called 911 and inflicted the injuries upon himself. At this stage in the investigation, it is not believed that there was a ‘friend’ involved in the incident and that Mr. White acted alone.
Mr. White is currently being held at Berkshire Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. He is in stable physical condition. Mr. White has three outstanding warrants. The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office expects him to be arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court later today (January 28th).
The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit is leading the investigation. Body worn camera footage captured the incident. The State Police Detective Unit is currently interviewing witnesses and officers involved in the incident. They will also review a ballistics report to be released by the Firearms Identification Section of the Massachusetts State Police upon its conclusion.
Law enforcement response included the Adams Police Department; Troop-B of the Massachusetts State Police; the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit; the MSP Crime Scene Services Section; and the MSP Firearms Identification Section. Northern Berkshire Ambulance provided emergency medical response.
The officer who discharged his weapon is on paid administrative leave from the Adams Police Department.
A full press release will be made available when the investigation is complete.