Chief: Officers acted accordingly in New Bedford shooting

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police say a 15-year-old male was shot and killed after stabbing a police officer in New Bedford.

Family members identified 15-year-old Malcolm Gracia as the teen who was shot and killed by New Bedford police Thursday night.

“They just really want to know he’s a great kid and that’s all they want to say at this time,” said Danielle Brown, Gracia’s cousin.

Police said officers from the New Bedford police gang unit tried to question two males at Temple Landing Development. Officials said Gracia stabbed a police officer several times and then ignored warnings by other officers. Officers then shot Gracia, knocking him to the ground.

“The assailant returned to his feet, still armed with a knife and moved toward the officers. Officers again fired at the stabber, striking him and knocking him to the ground,” said District Attorney Sam Sutter.

“In this very preliminary stage of the investigation that I have no indication other than the officers acted accordingly,” said Chief David Provencher of the New Bedford police department.

Police said there was no chase, but one witness account appears to conflict with that report.

“I look from the window…I see a young boy running then the police -- a lot of police, like 15 or 20 -- running,” said Brenda Aviles, a witness.

People who knew Gracia expressed sympathy and sadness.

“He was a very smart young man, but there were defiantly -- a few things that he had had problems in the past and its one of those situations where it’s just really unfortunate and sad,” said Nick Baptist, Gracia’s teacher.

Gracia's mother spoke out Friday evening.

"He was loving. He loved everybody. He was kind, giving, sweet. He was talented," said Linda Gracia, Malcolm's mother.

The mayor spoke of the wounded police officer, Tyson Barnes, saying he was stabbed with a hunting knife with a gutting hook on it.

“He’s very lucky, had the knife been used in a way that was slightly different -- had been an inch one way or the other he may not be with us,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Barnes is in stable condition, but suffered serious injuries including multiple stab wounds.

Authorities said the plan to increase police presence in the neighborhood.