PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The District Attorney's Office has determined that the police officer who fatally shot Biagio Kauvil during a mental health incident in January acted lawfully. 

 

On Tuesday, DA Timothy Shugrue held a press conference to announce the results of the investigation, concluding that Hinsdale Officer Jeffrey Spratt fatal shooting of the 27-year-old was a "lawful use of force and it was necessary to prevent imminent series deadly harm to himself or another." 

 

"While the findings were non-criminal, I find it imperative to state that while there will be no criminal charges, the force investigation team did find considerable, which I agree with, concern regarding policies and the Hinsdale Police Department," Shugrue said. 

 

"I strongly recommend that the town of Hinsdale hire an investigator that is completely independent to the agency in the town to conduct a formal review of their internal policies and their applications to the events of January 7." 

 

A March special town meeting in Hinsdale approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the Police Department. 

 

Just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 7, the Hinsdale Police Department responded to the Off South Street home for a well-being check and requested mutual aid from Dalton. At 10:58 a.m., there was a radio notification for a taser deployment, and about 15 seconds later, officers advised that shots were fired. 

 

Less than one minute later, police requested immediate ambulance response and began rendering aid.  Kauvil died after being shot in the head.