CANTON — The Canton Police Department responded to two recent incidents involving residents of Judge Rotenberg Center facilities that required extensive police and emergency response resources within the past week.
On Wednesday, May 27, at about 6:15 p.m., Canton Police officers responded to a Judge Rotenberg Center residential facility for a report of a disturbance in which residents were fighting with staff members. Dispatch was informed that a resident in crisis was armed with broken glass and threatening staff members and responding officers.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic and rapidly evolving situation involving multiple individuals. During the incident, a Canton Police officer was struck in the back of the head by a resident holding a pen. The resident fled the home while holding a piece of glass.
The incident ultimately required a large-scale response involving patrol officers, supervisors, detectives, Canton Fire Department personnel, and mutual aid assistance from neighboring agencies, including Stoughton Police. Stoughton Police Officer Steve Camara and K-9 Bator assisted Canton officers in taking the individual into custody safely.
Two residents and the injured officer were transported to the hospital for evaluation. One individual is facing criminal charges in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
The incident followed another significant response on May 22. A center resident fled from staff members, prompting an extensive search effort across multiple Canton neighborhoods.
That incident required the response of numerous Canton Police officers and supervisors, mutual aid personnel, Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Search and Rescue resources, a search-and-rescue K-9 team, drone operations, and a temporary shutdown of MBTA rail traffic.
The resident was ultimately located in a wooded area and transported to a hospital for evaluation without further incident.
"These incidents required an extraordinary commitment of personnel and public safety resources over extended periods of time," said Chief Michael Daniels. "Our officers are increasingly responding to highly complex behavioral health emergencies that often demand coordinated efforts involving patrol officers, detectives, supervisors, fire personnel, mutual aid agencies, and medical professionals. Our priority is ensuring a safe outcome for everyone involved in the situation."
###
