A Norwood resident was arrested for assaulting a Norwood police officer following a dispute with a neighbor.
Michael Perkis, 38, out of Sunnyside Road was arrested last Friday after a neighbor called police to complain Perkins was littering. The incident happened September 12, 2025 when, according to a Norwood Police report, Perkins was screaming at his neighbor and leaving trash in the neighbors yard. Responding officers asked Perkins to return to his house. “Perkins at this point was really agitated and animated,” Norwood police wrote in their report.
Police say Perkins begrudgingly went inside the home after a brief discussion. Officers were preparing leave when Perkins allegedly returned outside to confront the officers again. According to the police report, Perkins “presented an aggressive posture while waving his hands and was shouting profanity at me.” During this exchange, Perkins allegedly slapped an officer, with both of his hands in the chest area. Following a brief struggle, Officers were able to subdue Perkins and place him into custody.
Neither officer, nor Perkins was injured during the incident. According to records, Perkins is no stranger to police, having been arrested by Norwood PD for various incidents in recent years.
According to court records, Perkins was charged with assault, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Norwood Police Chief Chris Padden declined to comment on this particular case, however explained NPD officers are taught de-escalation tactics in all of their training and policy requires its deployment before officers engage any use of force.
Michael Perkins could not be reached for comment. -RD