Officer allegedly stabbed in face, suspect shot to death in Springfield

A man was shot to death Sunday after he allegedly stabbed a police officer in the face in Springfield, according to authorities.

Around 8:30 a.m., police were sent to the area near Liberty and Cass streets for a report of a man who pulled out a knife on another person. Officers found a man who matched the description at the 0-100 block of Genesee Street, authorities said in a press release.

“The suspect, an adult male, then stabbed one of the two responding officers in the face,” the release said.  “The suspect then again charged towards the officers with his knife in hand and the officer who was stabbed in the face fired two shots from his service pistol striking the suspect.”

Police began first aid on the suspect, who was then taken to Baystate Medical Center where he died, according to officials.

Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said during a press conference that the man was told to drop the weapon “multiple times.”

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Both officers were wearing body cameras at the time; there was also surveillance footage.

Material from an Associated Press article was used in this report.