TAUNTON, Mass. — Prosecutors in Massachusetts say an off-duty sheriff’s deputy was justified in fatally shooting a man who went on a stabbing rampage in a mall restaurant.
Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced Wednesday a report found that Plymouth County Deputy Sheriff James Creed was justified in using deadly force to prevent death or serious harm to himself or others.
The report says Creed was having dinner at a Silver City Galleria mall restaurant in Taunton on May 10 when Arthur DaRosa entered and started attacking a waitress. DaRosa stabbed and killed a 56-year-old teacher who tried to intervene.
The report says Creed fatally shot DaRosa when he refused to comply with orders to drop the knife.
Authorities say DaRosa had fatally stabbed an 80-year-old woman in her home earlier that night.
Statement of Deputy Sheriff James Creed and Laura Creed:
“First, we want to extend our sympathies and condolences to all of the
individuals and families affected by the events on May 10. This was in every way
a senseless tragedy, and one that we wish had never occurred. My wife and I will
be forever impacted by the events of Tuesday night.
“We would like to acknowledge the bravery of Mr. Heath, who selflessly
intervened in the situation. Without his actions, the outcome could have been
even worse.
“I would also like to acknowledge my wife, a nurse, who administered first aid
to the victims in the restaurant. We would also like to thank all of the first
responders, the Bristol and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Departments, the
SEMLEC Critical Incident Support Team, and the other agencies that have
supported us.
“While we appreciate all of the kind words and messages that we have
received, there is no cause for celebration regarding this incident. We only wish
to go back to our jobs, our families, and our lives.
“We ask that you keep the victims, their families and all of those affected by
this incident in your thoughts.”
James Creed is a Deputy Sheriff K-9 officer with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. He
received his Bachelor’s Degree from Westfield State University, a Master’s Degree in Criminal
Justice from Boston University and is currently studying for a graduate certificate in Criminal
Justice Leadership in Police Development from UMass Lowell.
Deputy Sheriff Creed graduated from PSCD BCCO County Corrections Training in
2005, the Plymouth Police Academy in 2006 and K-9 Training in 2007. For mutual aid
purposes, Deputy Sheriff Creed was sworn in as a Bristol County Sheriff in 2016. His K9 partners are Rony and Boing. James is originally from Weymouth, MA.
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