Police used a stun gun as they arrested a man in a primary school parking lot in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on Thursday, officials said.
The suspect "became assaultive," Weymouth police said in a statement that noted officers were at Hamilton Primary School Thursday morning. They used a stun gun during the arrest.
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It all happened during school drop-off, with parents witnessing the chaos.
“We saw the limo speeding down the street with the police car chasing it. It made the turn, it was in the driveway, almost hit the crossing guard that was trying to stop traffic," said Scott McCormick, who has a third-grader at the school.
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The suspect was identified as Elismar Ferreira, 38, of Hanson.
According to prosecutors, it all started when police responded to a breaking and entering into a vehicle. They spotted a black limousine weaving and speeding through traffic. Police gave chase but broke off when the vehicle reached 75 mph.
Officers caught up with the vehicle and watched it drive through busy areas of town. Eventually, the driver stopped near the school. Officers, concerned about safety to the school, coordinated with school staff to keep students safe - either having them stay on their school bus or in the school building, which went into shelter-in-place mode.
Police then confronted Ferreira, who they say hit an officer in the chest and knocked the officer over. After multiple warnings, prosecutors say the officer used the stun gun to get Ferreira under control.
Ferreira is facing multiple charges including assault and battery, resisting arrest, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, among others.
Prosecutors noted that during the confrontation with police Ferreira wasn't making sense and "kept mentioning God, Jesus and seeing his kids one last time." He is known to police in the area.
His defense attorney told the court that Ferreira was trying to see his son, who he has not seen in several months due to other legal and family issues.
"He wanted to go hug his son, to say goodbye to his son," defense attorney Hung Tran said.
"His approach was you know, was improper, but it certainly was a result of a man who was distraught," he added.
Ferreira pleaded guilty to nine counts against him. Bail was set at $5,000 and he was ordered to stay away from school until the next court date on April 10. Additionally, the judge allowed a motion to revoke bail on a separate case out of Brockton and he was held without bail on that case.
