'Life-Threatening Confrontation': Danvers Officer Honored For Subduing Armed Suspect

DANVERS, MA — A Danvers police officer was honored with a Letter of Commendation for his actions amid a "life-threatening situation" when he pursued and subdued an armed suspect involved with an armed robbery.

Danvers Police Chief James Lovell presented Officer Nicholas Strangie for his "exceptional courage, professionalism and decisive action" following a robbery at the CVS on Maple Street in May.

Lovell said Strangie responded to a call of a man demanding prescription medication from a clerk at about 8 p.m. on May 11 and commanded him to stop as he attempted to flee the store.

Lovell said the suspect refused the command and Strangie chased him down before attempting to physically subdue him. It was then, police said, that Strangie saw that the suspect had a handgun.

"Despite the immediate threat to his own safety," Lovell said, "Officer Strangie remained composed and resolute. Through courage, sound judgement, and tactical skill, he successfully prevented the suspect from using the firearm, and maintained control until assisting officers arrived and made the arrest."

Lovell said the suspect was subsequently found to also have a taser and expanded ammunition magazines.

"His willingness to put himself in harm's way to protect others, his unwavering commitment to duty, and his exceptional composure under life-threatening circumstances prevented what could have resulted in serious bodily injury or loss of life," Lovell said.