By Tom Matthews
Source masslive.com
A Worcester man is facing attempted murder charges after he attacked a police officer with scissors and set an apartment on fire Monday morning, officials said.
Officers responded to the area of 6 Moen St. around 12:30 a.m. Monday for a welfare check. The officers spoke to a female who told them she was fearful of a male who was breaking things inside the apartment, according to authorities.
The 25-year-old male, who lives at the apartment and was identified as Luis Ramirez, then came outside and crossed the street to a vehicle. Ramirez opened the passenger door and shut it. He then walked towards an officer and “abruptly swung scissors,” which grazed the face of the officer, police said.
The officer radioed for backup and Ramirez went back inside the apartment, where he barricaded himself, according to authorities.
Shortly after Ramirez reentered the apartment, officers who were standing near its rear door began to smell smoke and noticed it coming out from under the door.
The Worcester Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, as well as additional officers, who all worked to evacuate residents on all other floors.
Ramirez refused to exit the apartment and threatened officers, officials said.
After the fire department extinguished the fire, officers were eventually able to convince Ramirez to drop the scissors and leave the apartment. He was then taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, police said.
Ramirez is facing four charges of attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and arson of a dwelling.
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