MARION — Chief Richard Nighelli announces that Marion Police Officers, drawing on their de-escalation training and experience, successfully restrained a knife-wielding man earlier today after he threatened first responders with the weapon.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Marion police received a 911 call from a resident on Joanne Drive. Police quickly responded to perform a well-being check on a man at the scene.
While police and Marion Fire EMS were assisting the resident, he became agitated and armed himself with a large knife with an 8-to-10-inch blade. The man pointed the knife in a threatening manner at first responders multiple times before then pointing the knife at himself.
Officer Connor Flynn then deployed his Taser-brand electronic control device, however it had no effect on the man, who continued brandishing the knife. Officer Flynn then deployed a chemical irritant spray, which caused the man to drop the knife.
Police secured the weapon and restrained the man without injury to anyone involved.
The man was then handcuffed by Officer Flynn and Officer Stephen Dawson. The man was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
“I would like to commend Officers Flynn and Dawson and all those who responded to the scene for remaining calm and professional during this entire incident,” Chief Nighelli said. “First responders are trained to be ready should any incident escalate suddenly, and the restraint shown here prevented a potentially tragic situation from occurring.”
The investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time and the man’s name is not being released.
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