Boston man subdued with beanbag gun ordered to undergo mental evaluation

A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a Dorchester man who assaulted a family member before making threats to kill police, civilians and himself over the weekend.

Thomas Harrington, 32, was arraigned in Dorchester District Court Monday on charges of assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, making threats and malicious destruction of property.

Prosecutors told the court that police were called to Harrington’s Geneva Ave. apartment after he allegedly assaulted a 56-year-old family member and broke her phone. When the woman fled to another apartment, Harrington followed, banging on the door and threatening to kill everyone in the building, said prosecutors.

Harrington became confrontational when police arrived, refusing to speak with them or comply with their commands.

He made statements threatening to harm himself before locking himself inside his apartment, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Police forced their way into the apartment, which smelled of natural gas. They found Harrington holding scissors to his throat. Harrington then picked up a 13-inch kitchen knife and threatened repeatedly to kill the officers and harm himself.

Police fired a beanbag gun at Harrington, striking him six times and knocking him to the ground.

Harrington was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

On Monday, Judge James Coffey ordered Harrington to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation; bail arguments will be heard after the evaluation.

He is due back in court Jan. 27.