NORTHAMPTON — The prosecution in the case of a Springfield man who allegedly tried to kill a police officer at a Dunkin’ Donuts in South Hadley wants to hire its own expert to determine if the suspect is capable of being held criminally responsible.

Jeffrey Torres, 30, who was shot by South Hadley Police Officer Christopher Roberts the night of March 18 after he allegedly stabbed the officer in the neck at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Newton Street, faces charges of armed assault and attempted murder. Torres pleaded not guilty in Hampshire Superior Court. 

That night, Roberts fired his weapon three times, hitting Torres twice, according to court records.

Police said Roberts entered the shop around 6 p.m. and approached Torres, who allegedly had threatened the life of a Dunkin’ Donuts employee, who is also the mother of his children.

The woman had barricaded herself in a bathroom and called authorities, according to court records.

Three days after being treated for gunshot wounds, Torres was ordered to Bridgewater State Hospital for evaluation.

A mental health expert stated in a report, filed in May, that Torres “experienced acute symptoms of mental illness around the time of the alleged offenses … his symptoms caused him to lack substantial capacity to appreciate criminality of his behavior,” according to court records.

Torres’ attorney, Alfred Chamberland, of Easthampton, previously said in court that he would pursue a “lack of criminal responsibility” defense. In court Monday, Torres also requested a new attorney — a request Judge Richard Carey denied without prejudice. This means that Torres can again make the same request, but at a later date.

Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Jennifer Suhl said in court Monday that she wants to hire her own expert to conduct a similar examination of Torres.

Chamberland objected to Suhl’s request, explaining to Carey that the expert who conducted the evaluation about two months ago was a Bridgewater staff member, not an expert he hired independently.

Suhl and Chamberland — with Torres present — are scheduled to return to court Aug. 22 to argue that motion.

Suhl also requested an unredacted version of the Bridgewater report, which Chamberland did not oppose.

Torres remains at Bridgewater without the right to bail.

Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com or 413-585-5234.