2 cops OK after ‘traumatic’ shootout
Say suspect sat in Attleboro church with gun before attack
ATTLEBORO — Two Attleboro cops escaped uninjured from a “traumatic” firefight with a gunman yesterday after the suspect was found sitting in a church pew with a handgun.
The shootout on Newport Avenue just minutes before parents would typically be dropping their children off at South Attleboro Assembly of God’s Dayspring Christian Academy day care left two police cruisers pockmarked with bullet holes and Route 1A cluttered with shell casings and yellow evidence markers.
“Had the officers, in my opinion, not took evasive action so instinctively and quickly, they probably would have succumbed or be dead or not with us today. It’s sheerly an act of God,” Attleboro police Chief Kyle Heagney said.
Eric Lindsey, 41, of Coventry, R.I., was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and multiple firearms charges, according to the Bristol District Attorney’s Office.
“By the grace of God, the officers were not seriously injured or killed,” said Bristol DA Thomas M. Quinn III. “This case highlights the dangers officers face on a daily basis while responding to calls.”
Heagney said the alleged attack was sudden.
“Without provocation, … the suspect turned and started firing at the police cruisers and the officers. Out of sheer bravery and heroism, the officers jumped out of their cruisers. The rounds entered the windshields of both cruisers and struck the head rests,” the chief said.
Lindsey was shot several times when officers returned fire, according to police. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition wasn’t immediately known. No date has been set for his arraignment, Quinn said.
The officers were medically evaluated as a precaution.
Bob Truitt, the church’s business administrator, said the pastor, the Rev. Randal Ackland, drove to Assembly of God at 7 a.m. yesterday to drop off his wife, Connie.
“She works in our school,” Truitt explained. “It’s normally his day off. He went into the sanctuary to get a cable for his phone when he saw a man sitting in a pew with a gun. He tried to counsel him and asked him if he wanted some help. He did not, and the man left.”
Truitt said Ackland called 911 while the man walked up four-lane Route 1A.
“We’re very thankful that God was looking after him (Ackland). He’s doing fine,” Truitt said.
“He (the suspect) did not threaten the pastor. The shooting did not occur on our campus. At no time was any worker at the church threatened.”
Attempts to reach Ackland yesterday were not successful.
Police quickly tweeted out a thank-you to residents “for all the support and well wishes for our two officers who were involved (in) that very traumatic event this morning.”