Knife-Wielding Suspect Shot by Police in Salem, Massachusetts

Authorities say the suspect and victim knew each other

As the Essex County District Attorney's office continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting on Walter Street in Salem, Massachusetts, early Tuesday morning, more information is coming to light about what may have happened.

Police say it stemmed from a stabbing at about 1:45 a.m. at 31 Salem St., where blood could still be seen on the steps and brick wall.

A woman who just moved here with her two young children was so scared she didn't want to show her face.

"Last night I heard a lot of banging and screaming for help and then I seen a guy covered in blood saying that someone stabbed him," she said.

Police say the victim identified the person who stabbed him as 21-year-old Brock Fleming.

Jose Jimilian lives nearby and knows both Fleming and the man who was stabbed.

"It just surprises me, because I know they know each other, that's the funny thing, that's what surprised me, I understand if he didn't know him and he didn't know him but they know each other," Jimilian said.

Investigators say Salem Police confronted Fleming as he returned here to his grandmother's home, allegedly coming at them with a knife. That's when police say one officer shot Fleming in the buttocks.

"I heard two gunshots, I looked out the window and Brock was on the ground, he was freaking out, the cops had their guns drawn still because he was threatening to pull a knife out," Fleming's neighbor Chris Hall said.

Fleming's mother and grandmother say they don't think police needed to open fire.

"I don't feel this situation should have ever escalated to any type of deadly force," Fleming's mother, Jennifer Fleming, said.

"He's just such a kind person, and I'm really surprised, he's had issues and he's not a perfect kid but he didn't deserve this," his grandmother, Mary Lyness, said.

Fleming faces various charges, including assault with intent to murder for the stabbing on Salem Street and two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon for the Walter Street incident.

Police add Fleming has a history of "police involvements." It's not clear if he has a lawyer. He's not expected to be arraigned until Wednesday.

The case remains under investigation by the Essex District Attorney's Office.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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