A Portland police officer was forced to use his taser on an armed man on Sunday after he approached officers while brandishing two knives.
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At approximately 3:05 p.m., police responded to the parking area of 5 Kennedy Park following reports of a knife-wielding man behaving erratically.
The first officer to arrive found the man allegedly brandishing two large knives and waving them around.
The officer demanded that the man drop his weapons, but he allegedly refused to do so and approached the officer.
The officer backed up as the man continued to approach. The man began to accelerate and behave aggressively towards the officer.
A second officer arrived, blocked the man from reaching the first officer and fired his Taser at the assailant.
Police quickly subdued the man after tasing him.
He was taken into protective custody and transported to the Maine Medical Center for evaluation.
Police reported that they believe the man was experiencing “mental health issues” and gave no indication that he would face charges.
They also declined to name the man.


