3 Saugus Police Officers Stabbed, Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder

SAUGUS (CBS) -- Three Saugus police officers were stabbed with a knife in Saugus Thursday morning. The incident that happened at a Tuttle Street home just after 7:20 a.m. drew a large police presence.

The injured officers were able to disarm the 43-year-old suspect Steven Sossong and take him into custody. Sossong faces multiple charges including attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a police officer.

The three stabbed officers were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. A fourth Saugus officer was also hospitalized as a precaution. All four officers were released from the hospital Thursday afternoon.

Police said they were at the Saugus home to investigate a report of a stolen U-Haul rental van. Sossong was uncooperative and an altercation happened when the officers forcefully entered the home, according to police.

Sossong was arraigned in Lynn District Court and sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for an evaluation.

Saugus Police Lt. Ronald Giorgetti became emotional at a news conference, talking about the impact of the incident on his force.

"They're just beginning to comprehend what occurred," he said. "When something like this happens, it kind of strikes home."

A Saugus police cruiser was towed from the scene shortly after 10 a.m.

Massachusetts State Police and police from Wakefield and Melrose responded to the scene. There were multiple ambulances and police vehicles on the street.

"I felt bad for the situation. He was a young guy. His life could have went a very different way. I just felt bad for him," neighbor JoAnn Canole said.

A resident described the neighborhood as "super quiet."

"It's very abnormal and it's very unusual in this type of neighborhood," he said. "I hope the officers can recover and get better."

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• Saugus News