A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his cannabis dispensary, as reported by authorities.
Will Flanagan, aged 45, was the Democratic mayor of Fall River from 2010 to 2014. His tenure ended following a recall election, partly due to accusations involving a firearm incident with political rival Jasiel Correia, as detailed by The Herald News. The stabbing occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday outside the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, a business owned by Flanagan, according to the Fall River Police Department.
Law enforcement officials described Flanagan’s injuries as “significant.” He was taken to a hospital where he is reported to be in serious yet stable condition.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fall River police revealed that 31-year-old Corree Gonzales was taken into custody in relation to the stabbing.
Authorities allege that Corree Gonzales was responsible for stabbing Will Flanagan on Monday. (Source: Will Flanagan/Facebook and Fall River Police Department)
In a public statement, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan expressed his hopes for Flanagan’s recovery and mentioned he was keeping him in his prayers.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Former Mayor Will Flanagan, his family, and friends. The full support of the Mayor’s Office is with the Fall River Police Department as they work tirelessly to bring justice in this case. We stand firmly behind Chief Kelly Furtado, and the dedicated men and women of the FRPD as they continue this active investigation,” Coogan said.
Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado said patrol officers and detectives “responded swiftly” to what she called a “senseless act of violence.”
“We will exhaust every resource to ensure justice is served,” she said. “I want to thank the Mayor’s Office for their continued support as we move forward with this investigation.”
Will Flanagan was stabbed outside of his cannabis dispensary Monday. (Will Flanagan/Facebook and X)
Coogan said the suspect suffers from mental health issues and has been arrested several times in the past decade, according to WHDH.
“I’m not so much concerned about his criminal past, I’m concerned about his mental health and his ability to reintegrate into society,” Coogan said.
Will Flanagan, 45, previously served as the mayor of Fall River. (Will Flanagan/Facebook and X)
According to The Herald News, Flanagan recently developed a side hustle as a local film performer in addition to being an attorney.
Hours before the stabbing, Flanagan recorded a video of himself signing “Blame it on the Rain” during a storm that was moving through the area.
