Police Disarm North End Man Wielding Butcher Knives, Wearing Bulletproof Vest

Boston, MA - A police confrontation ended without bloodshed, as officers successfully convinced a North End man wearing a bulletproof vest and wielding two butcher knives to peacefully disarm, the Boston Police Department said.

Around 3 a.m. Sunday, officers got the call for a person with a knife near 17 Cooper Street.

Boston Police said when they arrived, they found a suspect armed with two large butcher knives and wearing a bulletproof vest yelling and threatening a group of people on the street.

According to police, "When the suspect saw the officers approaching, he turned away from the crowd and began to walk towards them, still armed with both knives. Officers maintained their distance while giving numerous verbal commands to the suspect to drop the weapons. After several tense moments, the suspect placed the butcher knives on the ground and was taken into custody without further incident."

The suspect was later identified as Steven Lacolla, 26, of Boston.

He faces charges of Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon and Wearing a Bulletproof Vest in the Commission of a Felony. Police said he will appear in Boston Municipal Court.