Lakeville man accused of stabbing multiple Taunton officers to be mentally evaluated

TAUNTON, MASS. (WLNE) — The Lakeville man accused of injuring multiple Taunton police officers and seriously injuring another by stabbing them in the face Tuesday night is now being held without bail.

35-year-old Douglas Hagerty pleaded not guilty to a laundry list of charges in Taunton District Court, and was appointed a lawyer to represent him. However, the court ordered Hagerty to be evaluated to see if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

Hagerty is accused of stabbing and seriously injuring a Taunton police officer, as well as injuring four other officers after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop.

Hagerty is charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, among other charges.

“The commonwealth has filed a motion to hold the defendant as a danger,” said Assistant District Attorney, Jason Mohan.

Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh was one of the officers stabbed while trying to get a knife away from Hagerty. Officials said Walsh later deployed his stun-gun on Hagerty.

“My officers showed a lot of restraint last night, he probably could’ve been shot legally by the department but my officers chose not to,” said Walsh.

The incident happened inside of a residence on W. Britannia St. that police believe Hagerty lives at. He drove to the home with police following him after fleeing the traffic stop.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, it’s not the best result we could hope for but it’s better than other results that could have happened,” Walsh continued.

It was a situation that escalated quickly, with the seriously injured officer suffering from stab wounds to the face and back of his head. That officer is still in the hospital but is expected to recover.