Swampscott Police Chief Ruben Quesada recommended six officers for the Police Star Award for their actions during a stabbing incident outside the Stop & Shop in Vinnin Square.
Police responded to a wellbeing check on Monday, September 28, involving a person in a vehicle parked outside the Stop & Shop in Vinnin Square. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office previously told the Swampscott Tides that the 59-year-old male “stabbed himself in the torso with a knife” and later died.
The man’s identity has not been publicly released.
Sgt. Jonathan Loyte and Officers Stephen Coughlin, Justin Bragan, Samantha Holey, Brian Wilson and Kevin Reen were nominated by Quesada for their “bravery and honor.”
“This specialized award allows for the proper recognition of officers when their actions are worthy of note and exceed the level of a letter of commendation,” Quesada wrote to Town Administrator Nick Connors.
The Swampscott Tides reached out to Quesada but did not receive a response.
On September 28, Coughlin was on patrol Coughlin was on patrol when he encountered the man, who “appeared in distress and brandishing a weapon,” Quesada wrote. Coughlin spoke with the man “in a very calm and composed manner while simultaneously protecting unaware bystanders from any potential harm.”
Other officers arrived and, seeing that the man’s “condition had worsened,” safely removed him from the vehicle and began lifesaving measures, Quesada wrote.
The District Attorney’s Office previously told the Swampscott Tides the man, who was known to reside in Swampscott and more recently in Florida, was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“Despite their efforts, the individual sadly passed away,” Quesada wrote. “Throughout this incident, our officers balanced the safety of others while simultaneously providing a compassionate approach to a highly chaotic and evolving situation.”
Quesada described the incident as “very unfortunate and traumatic” for everyone involved.
“Our hearts go out to the individual and their family members, and to everyone who witnessed or was affected by what happened that morning,” Quesada said.
Quesada added that he “cannot extend enough gratitude for the brave and selfless acts of our officers that day.” He also praised Lt. Steve Luck for his “steady, calm and decisive leadership” throughout the incident.
“They moved toward a dangerous situation to protect the public and to try to save a life, and they did so with the utmost professionalism and compassion. Incidents like these remain with those who answer them,” Quesada wrote. “I am truly proud of the men and women of the Swampscott Police Department.”
