A Dorchester man has been arrested after threatening police with what turned out to be a replica weapon.
Just before midnight Monday, police responded to a report for a person with a gun on Howe Street in Dorchester.
When officer arrived, they saw a man fitting the description of the suspect sitting on a chair in a driveway.
The officer could hear the man yelling derogatory statements about police officers.
As they approached, they saw the man grab a small revolver firearm from his lap and point it in the direction of the officers.
The officers drew their firearms and told the suspect to drop his weapon.
One of the officers was able to grab the suspect’s arm and knock the firearm out of his hand.
Further investigation revealed the firearm was a replica.
Officers also found a set of nunchucks hanging from the chair and two bags of what they believed to be marijuana.
Officers arrested 53-year-old William Gallop of Dorchester and charged him with assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and unlawfully carrying a dangerous weapon.
During the booking process, he threatened officers, saying he would blow up their houses and the police station and shoot officers.
The officers are now being praised for showing tremendous restraint.
“It’s a dangerous job and I’m grateful that the officers were able to disarm the gentleman without using excessive force and clearly this situation could’ve been one of those situations but our police department uses incredible restraint,” said Mayor Marty Walsh.
The man faces several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.
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