Hamilton Man Shot and Killed by Beverly Police Officer

By ADAM SWIFT (Patch Staff)

A suicidal 49-year-old Hamilton man was killed by a single shot from a Beverly police officer after he struck a cruiser twice with his vehicle, according to Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.

Police were called to Balch Street behind the Cummings Center for the report of a suicidal man, according to Blodgett.

When police arrived, the man backed a GMC Envoy into a Toyota Highlander twice.

Ordered to stop by police, Blodgett said the man then backed twice into the cruiser before an officer fired a single shot into the vehicle, hitting the man in the shoulder.

Police performed first aid on the man before he was taken to Beverly Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident is being investigated by the district attorney’s office and the State Police.

Blodgett said there will be a full investigation of and report on the shooting.

Per police protocol, the officer who fired the shot was placed on paid administrative leave.

The name of the Hamilton man has not been released by the district attorney’s office at this time.