One shot ended a 20-minute standoff in Brighton

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox confirmed that an officer fired one shot at a man in a mental health crisis on Friday morning, ending a 20-minute engagement at 24 Selkirk Road. The man was transported to a hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries, according to Boston police spokesperson Sergeant Detective John Boyle. His identity has not yet been released.

The incident began when dispatchers received a call about an individual threatening to harm themselves with a knife. Before units arrived, the call was upgraded to a person in mental health crisis. Officers engaged the man for approximately 20 minutes, attempting to persuade him to drop the weapon. Cox described the blade as very large. During the negotiation, the man stopped threatening self-harm and instead charged the officers. An officer fired a single shot, striking the man and stopping him immediately.

The shooting occurred outside the home near the porch area, where officers had been stationed. Cox said the officers retreated as much as possible before the man charged. No officers sustained stab wounds. Another individual was present in the home initially and was moved outside for safety. The officer who fired the shot is a male with just over two years of service on the force.

Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden joined Cox at an afternoon news conference at police headquarters. Hayden stated that investigators are reviewing the incident, including body-camera footage. He promised a complete and thorough investigation. Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, released a statement commending the officers for their swift response and de-escalation efforts in a highly hostile situation.

Neighbors described a large police presence early Friday morning. Patti Dunn, a resident for more than 20 years, said at least six detectives in plain clothes entered the home around 10 a.m. She noted that her walkway was taped off with crime scene tape. Christine Garcia, another neighbor, reported that the investigation lasted hours. Police checked under cars, shook a tree in the front yard, and walked a police dog around the property.

The investigation remains active as officials gather evidence from the scene and review video recordings. The district attorney's office will determine the next steps in the legal process following the review of the body-camera footage and witness statements.