By: Laura Soukkavong
Berkshire – Use of Force by Adams officer in a Jan 27 incident has been determined to be legally justified following review of investigative findings.
The determination was based on a Use of Force Report and an investigation conducted by the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit. The review concluded that Adams Police Corporal Baker acted in accordance with Massachusetts law and department policy when he discharged his service weapon.
On Jan. 27, Corporal Baker was dispatched to Commercial Street in Adams for a reported stabbing. When he arrived, he observed a male standing in a dimly lit area and was unable to see the individual’s hands. Baker issued commands for the individual to show his hands, but the commands were not followed.
Police say the individual, later identified as Phillip White, began advancing toward the officer. The officer observed what was described as a sharp-edged object in White’s hand that appeared to have blood on it. After observing the object, the officer drew his firearm.
Investigators concluded that Corporal Baker perceived an immediate threat and discharged one round from his service weapon. White was not struck. He briefly dropped to his knees, began to ride again, and then returned to his knees. Officers were subsequently able to take him into custody without further use of force.
On Jan. 28, Phillip White was arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in connection with the Jan 27 incident.
The DA’s Officer also noted that a separate investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Hinsdale on Jan. 7 remains open. That incident resulted in a fatality.
The office is currently awaiting the Massachusetts State Police ballistics analysis and a formal use-of-force investigation report before issuing a final determination.
DA Shugrue stated that the Hinsdale case is more complex due to the fatal outcome and emphasized that reviewing and concluding the investigation remains a priority. A final decision will be released once all outstanding reports are received.