New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Statement of Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. – May 11, 2016
In response to inquiries from the press and the public, I am able to confirm that Plymouth County Deputy James Creed of this department was the officer responsible for intervening and stopping an apparent random attack at the Galleria Mall in Taunton Tuesday evening.
Deputy Creed, who joined PCSD in 2005, was off-duty and dining with his wife at the restaurant as events unfolded. As an academy-trained officer, he discharged a single round from his personal firearm, bringing the attack to an end. He then remained at the scene to render aid to the victims and Mr. DaRosa. He was in civilian clothes at the time of these events.
This investigation is under the direction of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, Massachusetts State Police assigned to his office, and Taunton Police.
On a personal level, understandably I am proud of Deputy Creed, his heroic actions and his ability to apply his professional training and restraint in an obviously traumatic and perilous situation. I am also relieved that through his swift and deliberate response, further additional loss of life or injury to other bystanders was averted.
I also want to extend my condolences to the families of those who have suffered losses from these tragic events, and offer wishes of a safe recovery for those injured.
Thank God for the intervention of this man. True heroes sometimes carry guns and know the appropriate time to use them.
Thank you!
I would like express my gratitude to Sheriff Deputy Creed for his courageous actions. It is comforting to see the bravery of a great man among us. A man who even in the hours he is not required to protect the community, has the compassion, initiative and fortitude to take charge and quickly control what must have been a chaotic situation, in a professional manner and without thinking twice,. He is truly a hero. An asset to our community.