Everett police apprehend man armed with a sword

  Shortly after midnight on July 12, Everett police responded to an apartment building on Bucknam Street where they encountered a man who was allegedly brandishing a sword. After arriving on the scene, officers discovered that the man, identified as Jason Gaff, 45, of Everett, had barricaded himself in the building. Additional officers and a SWAT team were called in to assist and rescued a resident from the building.

  According to the preliminary investigation, a 911 call was made by a woman who knew Gaff and reportedly told police that he was threatening her and her mother. Gaff then came out of the building and “advanced” toward officers holding a weapon, believed to be a sword, over his head. In addition, he allegedly told police that he was also armed with a knife and a gun.

  According to police, a sponge round was fired at Gaff; however, the less than lethal measure proved to be ineffective. At that point, an officer fired one round and struck Gaff.

  First aid was administered at the scene. Gaff was then taken to Massachusetts General Hospital and is expected to survive. One of the officers was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

  According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Gaff has been charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

  “I am thankful that this incident was brought under control while protecting all those that live in the neighborhood and that none of our officers were hurt,” said Police Chief Steven Mazzie.

  The incident remains under investigation.