Arsonist Stabs Officer In Chest: Police

SPRINGFIELD, MA — A police officer is recovering after being stabbed in the chest by arsonist Wednesday night, authorities said.

The officer's life was likely saved by the trauma plate he was wearing, according to Springfield Police said. He suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Ruben Barrero, 39, of Springfield was arrested a violent struggle in which he kicked two officers and told them, "I stabbed one officer tonight and I will stab another."

Barrero is charged with attempted murder, arson, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

Police said they responded to a house fire in Barrero's Vermont Street home around 9:35 p.m. He fled police, who were in pursuit when he stabbed one, authorities said.