Police: Springfield officer saved from attempted stabbing by chest armor

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he tried to stab a Springfield officer with a knife.

Ruben Barrero, 39, faces the attempted murder charge after police say the suspected arsonist was found at a house fire on Vermont Street.

Barrero, according to police, ran off and eventually turned to confront the officers chasing him. When he tried to stab an officer in the chest, the officer was saved by an armor plate under his uniform, police said.

During what police call a violent struggle to arrest Barrero, they say he kicked the officers and said, "I stabbed one officer tonight and I will stab another."

Barrero has been charged with attempted murder, arson, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

Cox Media Group