Tiverton man sentenced for assault on officers and paramedics

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A Tiverton man who robbed a cannabis dispensary and stabbed multiple officers back in January was sentenced today.

26-year-old Dillon Nobles pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of armed assault with intent to murder, armed assault with intent to rob, and assisting arrest.

Officials say the defendant entered Nature’s Medicine Cannabis dispensary on January 24. Due to his intoxication, the defendant was asked to wait outside.

While he was outside, Nobles encountered a victim that had no identification to purchase marijuana. The individual gave Nobles thirty dollars to make a purchase on his behalf, and then Nobles went inside the store. When the defendant was confronted by the victim after not having the marijuana, he threatened him with a knife.

Later in the day, Fall River Paramedics and Police responded to the SRTA bus terminal for a report of an unresponsive passenger, later identified as Nobles. Once finally awake, Officer Jonathan Souza tried to convince the defendant to go to the hospital, but while walking to the stretcher, Nobles became agitated and threatened a paramedic. Nobles brandished his knife and approached the paramedic, as police intervened Nobles injured Souza.

Nobles fled on foot, where officers followed him. Another officer who was able to get ahold of him was stabbed in the neck. Another nearby officer was able to grab the defendant’s arm and hold it at until additional officers arrived, removed the knife, and ultimately tased the defendant.

In a statement, Assistant District Attorney Russ Eonas said:

“The defendant assaulted a paramedic and a police officer who was merely checking on his wellbeing. After fleeing, he tried to stab another officer in the neck.  Fortunately he was subdued. This was all done in broad daylight, with a number of citizens around. This case highlights the danger that police officers face when they encounter armed and violent individuals during the course of performing their duties. These confrontations can lead to death or serious injury of officers. The police should be commended for using remarkable restraint in subduing the defendant. He clearly is a danger to the community and needs to be kept off the street.”