Taunton, Massachusetts, was the scene of a shocking series of events that led to the conviction of Douglas Hagerty, who faces a lengthy prison sentence for the brutal attack on a police officer. In a ruling on February 4, 2026, Hagerty, 38, received a 30 to 40-year sentence for the near-fatal stabbing of a Taunton Police Officer, along with several other charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jason Mohan and Jose Vazquez.
The incident occurred on September 26, 2023, when Taunton police were conducting a routine motor vehicle stop at a local Burger King. Hagerty approached the scene in his own vehicle and began making nonsensical statements to the officers, including bizarre remarks and graphic slurs. When officers tried to assess his condition, he fled the scene at high speed, igniting a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Taunton.
During the chase, Hagerty struck two police vehicles and ignored multiple traffic signals. The pursuit culminated at his residence on West Britannia Street, where he crashed into the building and barricaded himself inside. Officer Nicholas Garnett pursued him through a barricaded door, but debris from the door trapped him momentarily. Armed with a large knife, Hagerty attacked Officer Garnett, stabbing him repeatedly in the head and neck before other officers managed to enter the stairwell.
The injuries Officer Garnett sustained were severe, leading to his immediate transport to nearby Morton Hospital and later to Boston Medical Center for emergency surgery. In the midst of the struggle, another officer, Michael Flynn, also incurred injuries, highlighting the extreme danger of the situation. Despite being tased multiple times, Hagerty resisted arrest and ultimately fell through a ceiling into a neighboring apartment, continuing to pose a threat.
After his arrest, Hagerty was evaluated at Bridgewater State Hospital, where medical professionals determined that he was competent to stand trial and criminally responsible for his actions. However, a private physician hired by his defense contradicted this assessment, leading to expert testimony during the trial. Ultimately, Judge Thomas McGuire found Hagerty guilty of charges that included armed assault with intent to murder and several counts of assault using a dangerous weapon.
District Attorney Tom Quinn expressed relief that the court rejected Hagerty’s defense regarding his mental health. He commended the Taunton Police for demonstrating restraint despite the violent circumstances they faced, as they could have justifiably used lethal force given Hagerty’s actions. Quinn also acknowledged the extraordinary bravery displayed by Chief Edward Walsh, who led his officers to subdue Hagerty, despite sustaining injuries in the process.
Officer Garnett has been forced to retire due to the injuries he suffered during the attack, which highlights the serious repercussions this incident has had on the lives of those involved. Quinn thanked him and his fellow officers for their service to the community, asserting that the sentence imposed on Hagerty reflects the severity of his conduct and the ongoing threat he poses to public safety.
As the judicial process comes to a close in this case, the city grapples with the fallout of the violent encounter and the broader implications for law enforcement and community relations moving forward. The courage shown by the Taunton police officers serves as a reminder of the risks they face daily in their commitment to public safety.