HINSDALE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A mental health expert said she is devastated by a deadly officer-involved shooting in Hinsdale that left one civilian dead and two officers hospitalized, while also calling for more resources to help those struggling with mental health crises.

The incident occurred last Wednesday on Off South Street when Hinsdale police and other authorities confronted 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil. The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office said Kauvil expressed “paranoid and delusional thoughts,” which sparked mental health concerns. Officials said he felt he was being monitored by both law enforcement and organized crime. During the confrontation, he reportedly yelled “kill me” during a struggle that resulted in two Hinsdale officers getting shot and injured and Kauvil being shot and killed.

Dr. Jennifer Michaels, medical director at The Brien Center with more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field, said the incident was tragic. “It’s heartbreaking, it’s tragic,” she added. “It sounds like this person was really suffering and having psychiatric symptoms and in extreme distress.”

On Friday, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue emphasized the mental health aspects of the situation and, according to officials, Kauvil’s family worked hard to try to get him the help he needed. Shugrue said mental health should be part of the criminal justice system and his county needs more resources. “I hope one thing that comes out of this is we can talk more about legislative work (that) needs to be done and we can talk about resources that need to be given to mandate that we have mental health professionals working with police officers and working with individuals that are on the street that haven’t been able to get the services that they need,” he explained.

Michaels agreed with the need for more mental health resources. “I think it would only help to have a mental health clinician riding with the police, or a first responder,” she noted. “We need more staff. We need the next generation going into mental health treatment (and) going into substance use disorder treatment. It’s incredibly rewarding. It’s helping the community.”

Berkshire Medical Center offers mental health services. The Brien Center is the largest community mental health agency in Berkshire County and has served the public for more than a century. They also have a crisis team available 24/7, a community behavioral health center open Monday to Friday, outreach programs, and residential programs.

Michaels’ message to those who are struggling, or know anyone who is, was to seek help. “We want to talk to you, we want to provide help, and don’t do it alone. It’s so much harder when you keep it in and you feel like you don’t have options. You do have options in Berkshire County,” she said.

Michaels also sent her well wishes Monday to Kauvil’s family, the affected officers, and their families.

The Brien Center has a 24-hour crisis hotline at (800) 252-0227. The Suicide and Crisis Hotline can be reached by calling 988.

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