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The incident began in Manchester around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the area of 63 Delmont St., said Lt. Ryan Shea of the Manchester Police.
According to Shea, the man was seen on a surveillance camera looking inside the residence from the front door just before 9:30 p.m. He was described as being white, wearing dark clothing and black gloves.
The resident called 911 to report what she observed on camera, and officers responded to check the area, Shea said.
About 30 minutes later, an officer located a man matching the description of the burglary suspect in the parking lot of 260 N. Main St., he added.
Shea said the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Michael Cunningham of East Hartford, fell to the ground as he attempted to flee. While on the ground, he took out a large knife and began stabbing himself multiple times in the abdomen.
Cunningham then stood up with the knife in his hands and approached the officer and her vehicle. The officer took cover and ordered Cunningham to drop the knife, at which point he ran west toward the parking lot of 336 N Main St., Shea said.
Responding officers located Cunningham and attempted to de-escalate the situation. A brief standoff took place, during which Cunningham did not communicate with officers and refused to drop the knife, police said.
Ultimately the decision was made to approach Cunningham, disarm him, and provide immediate medical attention. Using a Taser, officers disarmed and detained Cunningham, Shea said.
Shea said Manchester Fire/Rescue/EMS paramedics began immediate care, and he was taken to Hartford Hospital where he remains in serious condition.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the lead investigator, Detective Jeremy Curtis, at 860-643-3302.
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