44°
Shawn O'Connell, of Oxford, is charged with attempted murder of the officer, assault with a dangerous weapon (sword), carrying a dangerous weapon (sword), and disorderly conduct, Oxford police said.
Police said O'Connell walked into the middle of Main Street around 6 a.m. in front of a police cruiser. The officer had to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting him.
O'Connell pulled out a sword and swung the weapon back and forth at the cruiser, officials said. The officer backed up to avoid the blade, but once the car was cornered, he climbed out and demanded O'Connell drop the sword.
The 23-year-old rushed at the cop with his blade in hand, authorities said.
The officer repeatedly asked him to "drop the sword," but O'Connell continued to charge at him, officials said. The cop shot O'Connell when he was close enough to hit him with the sword, police said.
The officer — whose name was not released — is on administrative leave as police investigate the shooting, which is standard procedure.
O'Connell remains hospitalized at U Mass Hospital in Worcester, officials said. He will be arraigned at a later date.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Worcester and receive free news updates.
