Evaluation ordered for man charged with assaulting Arlington officer

By Globe Staff

A 38-year-old Lexington man was ordered by a judge to undergo psychiatric evaluation after allegedly attacking a police officer and trying to grab his gun yesterday afternoon on Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington.

Albert Sweet is facing charges that include assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, police said a statement.

At a hearing today in Cambridge District Court, Judge Severlin Singleton ordered Sweet sent to a locked Department of Mental Health facility so his mental competency can be assessed. Singleton scheduled an arraignment for Aug. 26, said Middlesex district attorney's spokeswoman Jessica Venezia.

Officer Brandon Kindle was supervising a construction site at about 1:30 p.m. when Sweet allegedly approached on a bicycle, dismounted, and rushed towards Kindle shouting suicidal and homicidal remarks. Sweet allegedly lunged toward the officer and attempted to grab his gun from the holster, police said.

Bruce Ferg, Sweet's attorney, said the case was "an unfortunate situation," but he had no further comment.

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