By Jim Clark

A dramatic chase and confrontation occurred as several police units responded to a report of a breaking and entering incident in progress at a Cooney Street residence last Wednesday.

Investigating officers spoke to the witness who called the report in to police, and she pointed out the house that had been entered by a man through a window.

Police officers surrounded the house and called for the man inside to come out voluntarily. Instead of surrendering, the man reportedly opened the front door a little to look outside, whereupon a number of officers on the scene said they knew the man from previous encounters with him, and identified him as Thomas Grant, 25, of Woburn.

Police report that as Grant stood at the door a hypodermic needle could be seen clutched in one of his hands.

One officer attempted to rush the residence, only to have the door slammed onto his arm and leg, police said.

Moments later the suspect was spotted climbing out of a second floor window, jumping from the residence’s patio roof onto the garage roof as he attempted to flee the area, according to reports.

Officers who recognized the man called him by name, asking him to stop and give himself up, but to no avail, as Grant continued jumping from garage rooftops to neighborhood backyards in his attempt to escape, police said.

According to reports, Grant was finally trapped in a narrow passageway between two garages as he barricaded himself in a small space, waving the needle at officers while threatening to kill them and himself. “I’ll stab all of you guys with this. I’m not afraid to do it,” he reportedly said. “I’ll stab you. I’ll stab myself too. I don’t want to live anymore.”

Pepper spray was administered and Grant eventually gave himself up, although he struggled and spat at officers as he was led away to an awaiting transport unit, police said.

Grant has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, attempt to commit a crime, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, felony daytime breaking and entering, resisting arrest, and destruction of property over $250, as well as warrant charges of possession of burglarious instruments, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, and larceny over $250.