Investigations underway in New Bedford police shooting
By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff
New Bedford Police and the Bristol District Attorney’s office are conducting parallel investigations of the fatal shooting by police of a 45-year-old man at his home.
The shooting of Gerard Tierney, based on preliminary investigation, appears to have been justified, said Lieutenant Jeffrey P. Silva, a police spokesman.
Police responded just before 5 p.m. Wednesday to a call at an Ellen Street residence. Silva said a neighbor told officers arriving at the scene that Tierney had chased him into his house with knives in both hands. Police went across the street to Tierney’s home and found him in a finished basement.
Tierney threatened to kill the officers and ignored numerous commands to drop the knives. Officers attempted to pepper spray him twice, Silva said.
“That didn’t work and Mr. Tierney then continued his threats, advanced up the staircase towards the officers, at which time he was shot and he died as a result of his gunshot wounds,” Silva said.
Two officers fired their guns and Tierney was hit more than once, Silva said. But it wasn’t clear if both officers fired shots that hit Tierney.
The names of the officers, who have been placed on paid administrative leave, weren’t released.
Silva said no information was available on what had triggered Tierney’s outburst against his neighbor.
Bristol District Attorney's spokesman Gregg Miliote had no comment on the details of the case.
“Once all the facts are gathered, we will release our conclusions,” he said.
