Canton police respond to 2 'significant incidents' at controversial therapy center

Two significant incidents at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton prompted police responses and hospital evaluations. On May 22, a resident fled from staff, leading to an extensive search across multiple neighborhoods with temporary MBTA rail pauses, search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 dogs. The resident was later found in a wooded area and taken to the hospital for evaluation. Five days later, police responded to reports of residents fighting with staff. During the most recent disturbance, officers encountered a chaotic, rapidly evolving situation involving multiple individuals, including a resident allegedly armed with broken glass who threatened staff and officers. A resident allegedly struck an officer in the back of the head with a pen, and the officer was sent to the hospital. The resident was taken into custody, and criminal charges were filed against one person, though details were not publicly specified.

"Both incidents involved Judge Rotenberg Center residents, and the most recent disturbance sent a police officer to the hospital with a head injury, the Canton Police Department said in a news release."

"Dispatch was informed that a resident in crisis was armed with broken glass and threatening ​staff members and responding officers. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic and rapidly evolving situation involving multiple individuals."

"One resident allegedly struck a Canton officer in the back of the head while holding a pen, sending the injured officer to a hospital for evaluation. The resident also purportedly fled from the Judge Rotenberg Center while armed with a piece of glass, though Canton police say authorities were able to safely take the individual into custody."

"The first incident occurred on May 22, when a resident fled from staff members and prompted an extensive search throughout multiple Canton neighborhoods, police said. Authorities temporarily paused MBTA rail traffic and brought in search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 dogs before the resident was ultimately found in a wooded area and brought to the hospital for evaluation."

Read at Boston.com