Crime
The man, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, allegedly swung a knife at one of the officers before another officer shot him, the investigative report says.
Two Springfield police officers acted reasonably and lawfully when they fatally shot a man who was armed with a knife and allegedly attempted to stab an officer amid a mental health crisis, local prosecutors said.
The Hampden District Attorney’s office announced that finding following an investigation into the Dec. 20, 2025, killing of Dennis Girard, 38. Investigators reviewed body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, witness interviews, 911 recordings, police reports, and autopsy and toxicology results, the DA’s office said in a press release.
According to the investigative report, officers were dispatched to a home at 1193 Worcester St. after receiving reports that a man, under the influence of mushrooms, was attempting suicide.
Witnesses told police Girard was experiencing a “psychotic episode,” had jumped out of a window, and was hurting himself with a knife when officers arrived, the investigative report states.
After entering the home, officers found Girard sitting on the bottom of a bed, holding a knife while covered in blood, according to the report.
Both officers drew their department-issued tasers and repeatedly ordered Girard to drop the knife as he continued to harm himself with the weapon. Girard was struck multiple times with a taser, causing him to fall backward onto the bed, but he continued to hold the knife, investigators said.
As one officer attempted to handcuff him, Girard allegedly swung the knife toward the officers, according to the DA’s office. The report described the movement as “what appears to be an attempt to stab” an officer.
The second officer then fired a single shot, striking Girard. He was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said.
Investigators determined the officer fired “in reasonable fear for his partner’s safety” and concluded the use of deadly force was justified, according to the report.
“The officers were responding to a call for help and made repeated efforts to resolve the situation through verbal commands and less-than-lethal force,” Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in the press release. “When Girard swung a knife toward an officer, an immediate threat was presented, and the officer’s response was reasonable, justified, and lawful.”
According to the report, officers reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect themselves and others after Girard failed to comply with commands and remained armed.
“Mr. Girard was in the act of using deadly force against a law enforcement officer and the officer’s use of his department issued weapon was reasonable, as there were no other objectively reasonable means to protect those present,” the report states.
Investigators also found that firing a single shot was “not excessive” and noted it only occurred after verbal commands and the taser blasts proved ineffective.
“The response by the officers, firing a taser and a firearm was appropriate, proportional, and timely considering the imminent threat that was presented by Mr. Girard,” the report continued.
An autopsy determined Girard died from gunshot wounds. Additional self-inflicted injuries were listed as a contributing factor, according to the DA’s office.
The manner of death was ruled homicide, specifically “shot by police,” as noted in the report.
The investigation has been closed, and neither officer will face criminal charges, according to the report.
“The use of deadly force was an unfortunate but unavoidable last resort in this instance,” the report said, noting other methods from officers that failed to gain compliance. “The decision to fire and shoot Mr. Girard was made in a split second to protect officers at the scene and others. The decision and response were lawful self-defense actions.”
Loved ones remember Girard as sports fan, ‘cat dad’
In his obituary, family members remembered Girard for his laughter and jokes. An avid sports fan, Girard was a devoted Dallas Cowboys supporter who enjoyed collecting sports cards and memorabilia.
As a cat dad, Girard had a deep affection for animals and planned to open an animal shelter, his obituary says. Family members also remembered him as a talented artist and excellent golfer.
Girard is survived by his parents, his sister and her four children, his brother, many aunts and uncles, cousins and their children, as well as his girlfriend and lifelong best friend.
“He was almost always smiling or making a joke, and his laughter was infectious,” his obituary reads.
The DA’s office said it remained in contact with Girard’s family throughout the investigation. Before publicly releasing its finding, Gulluni and members of his staff met with family members to discuss the investigation’s results.
“A loss of life is always a tragedy and our sympathies remain with Mr. Girard’s family and loved ones,” Gulluni said.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
