January 28, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has announced the decedent’s identity of the Dec. 20, 2025 officer-involved shooting that occurred on Worcester Street in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield.

He has been identified as Dennis Girard, 38, of Springfield.

At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2025, Springfield Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call, and officers responded to the 1100 block of Worcester Street for an adult male exhibiting psychotic behavior while armed with a knife. Due to circumstances that remain under investigation, one officer fired his service pistol, striking the armed individual. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Springfield Police Department’s Detective Bureau is investigating the incident under the direction of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office will review the investigation and issue findings and conclusions regarding the use of force and the circumstances surrounding the death. These materials will be made public once the review is complete and finalized.

This remains an ongoing investigation.