In a shocking incident on Monday evening, Will Flanagan, the former Democratic mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts, was brutally stabbed outside his business, Cosmopolitan Dispensary.
According to Breitbart, the attack left Flanagan with significant injuries, while the suspect, 31-year-old Corree Gonzales, was arrested and is now facing multiple charges alongside mental health evaluations.
Flanagan, who served as mayor of Fall River from 2010 to 2014, was at his cannabis dispensary when the violent encounter unfolded. The stabbing occurred late Monday, leaving the former public official in serious condition.
According to the Fall River Police Department, Flanagan was rushed to a hospital where he remains stable despite the severity of his wounds.
During his tenure as mayor, Flanagan faced controversy, including a recall election in 2014 sparked by allegations of threatening a political rival, Jasiel Correia, with a firearm. Though his political career ended years ago, Flanagan has since focused on his business ventures, including Cosmopolitan Dispensary. The sudden attack outside his establishment has stunned the local community, raising concerns about safety and crime in the area.
The suspect, Corree Gonzales, was apprehended shortly after the incident, with the assault captured on surveillance footage, as reported by WJAR. Gonzales, 31, is no stranger to law enforcement in Fall River, having a long record of criminal activity. Police confirmed that Gonzales is facing four counts of assault and battery on a police officer stemming from the Monday event.
Following his arrest, Gonzales underwent a mental health evaluation, with a doctor testifying in court on Wednesday about the need for further assessment. The evaluation aims to determine whether Gonzales is competent to stand trial. This is not the first time Gonzales has faced such a hearing, hinting at ongoing issues that may impact his legal proceedings.
Gonzales’ criminal history includes a 2019 conviction for violating probation after pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, resulting in a 59-day sentence at Bristol County House of Corrections.
In 2020, he was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily harm, though the state dismissed the case. More recently, in what is believed to be 2022, Gonzales faced two charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, both of which were dropped due to lack of prosecution, according to WJAR.
The violent nature of the attack on Flanagan has prompted reactions from local leaders, including current Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “I’m not so much concerned about his criminal past,” Coogan said, referring to Gonzales. “I’m concerned about his mental health and his ability to reintegrate into society,” he added.
Currently, Gonzales is being held without bail at Bridgewater State Hospital, where he must remain for at least 20 days. This detention period will likely include further mental health assessments to guide the court’s next steps. The outcome of these evaluations could significantly influence the direction of the case against him.
The incident has left many in Fall River shaken, as Flanagan was a well-known figure during his time in office. His business, Cosmopolitan Dispensary, has also become a part of the local landscape, making the attack feel personal to some residents. Community members are now left wondering about the broader implications for safety in their city.
Authorities have not yet released details about the motive behind the stabbing, leaving many questions unanswered. The Fall River Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation. Meanwhile, Flanagan’s recovery remains a focal point for those following the story.
As Flanagan fights to regain his health, the community watches closely for updates on both his condition and the legal proceedings against Gonzales. The intersection of mental health and criminal justice in this case has sparked discussions among locals. Many hope for solutions that address underlying issues while ensuring accountability for the violent act.