Man shot after confronting Dartmouth police with knife

Dartmouth police used a Taser on a 23-year-old man Sunday afternoon then shot him after he charged at two officers while brandishing a knife, according to Acting Chief Robert Szala.

Police responded to 779 Dartmouth St. at approximately 4 p.m. on Feb. 28 to a report of domestic violence between the suspect, Ryan Kuphal, and his mother. Kuphal left the scene while police were en route, taking his mother’s vehicle to 28 Bush St.

Szala said Kuphal confronted the officers with a knife. One officer fired a Taser, but that did not stop Kuphal, who continued to charge at the police. One officer fired a pistol once at Kuphal. The officers then radioed for an ambulance.

While the ambulance was en route, the officers attempted to perform first aid, but Kuphal resisted, Szala said. Kuphal was transported to Rhode Island Hospital. The officers, who have not been named, were uninjured.

Szala said the officers did a great job by responding with less lethal force first.

Dartmouth Police notified District Attorney Thomas Quinn’s office, and the DA’s office and Massachusetts State Troopers will be investigating the shooting.

The two officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.