BOSTON, Jan. 12, 2015— A Dorchester man subdued by Boston Police after arming himself with a knife, assaulting family members, and making threats to kill himself and others has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

THOMAS HARRINGTON (D.O.B. 4/6/82) was arraigned in Dorchester District Court today on charges of assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, making threats, and malicious destruction of property.  Judge James Coffey ordered that Harrington undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation.  Bail arguments will be made upon his return to court at the completion of the evaluation.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Callahan told the court that Boston Police were called at approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday to the Geneva Avenue apartment Harrington shared with a 56-year-old family member after Harrington physically assaulted her and broke her phone.  When the victim retreated to another apartment within the building out of fear for her safety, Harrington banged on that apartment’s door and threatened to kill everyone in the building, prosecutors said.

When approached by officers, Harrington became confrontational and refused to speak with them or comply with their commands.  He allegedly made statements threatening to harm himself before locking himself inside his apartment.

Out of concern for the safety of Harrington and others in the building, officers forced open the apartment door.  Inside, they detected the strong odor of natural gas and encountered Harrington holding scissors to his throat; he then armed himself with a 13-inch kitchen knife and made repeated threats to kill the officers and harm himself, prosecutors said.

Despite officers’ attempts to get Harrington to drop the knife, he began to move closer to the officers with the weapon.  Police fired a “less-lethal” beanbag gun, striking Harrington six times.  Harrington fell to the ground and officers were able to subdue him.

He was transported to Boston Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Harrington was represented by Jack Garland.  He returns to court Jan. 27.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.