A man was killed in a police shooting after allegedly stabbing an officer during a confrontation in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood early Saturday morning, officials said.
Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on Hancock Street around 2.40 a.m. and upon arrival officers saw the suspect, a 48-year-old man with a knife, according to Boston Police Superintendent Gregory Long.
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Long said the man attacked one of the officers, stabbing him in the upper torso. At that point a second officer fired and shot the man. The suspect was pronounced dead on scene. He was identified as Richard Ortiz, a 48-year-old from Revere.
The two officers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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“This is a reminder of the dangers officers face every day and how quickly events can unfold when officers respond to a call," Long said.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office will head the investigation into the shooting.
"We will conduct an active and thorough investigation of this matter and follow every part of protocol and procedure and the facts wherever they lead," District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.
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Mayor Michelle Wu spoke about the news later in the day.
"I have been briefed on last night's tragic incident & will ensure transparency as the investigation develops," she said. "I'm praying for a speedy recovery for the officers involved. My thoughts are with their loved ones & everyone impacted by the trauma of violence."
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
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