Police identify cop who shot Peabody man on Monday

PEABODY – A Peabody police spokesman has identified the officer who shot a Washington Street man involved in a domestic violence dispute.Patrolman Richard Cochran shot 55-year-old Phillip Noto Sr. once in the abdomen after Noto allegedly pulled out a weapon inside his 60 Washington St. home on Monday, according to spokesman Detective Peter Olson.Cochran, 45, had entered the home with patrolman Steve Molk, 57, shortly after Noto’s wife called 911 around noon.Sgt. Arthur Yeo and patrolman Richard Heath were a short distance away from the home when the shot rang out. Department protocol requires a supervisor, in this case a sergeant, to be present for domestic violence calls.Lt. Dennis Bonaiuto said Cochran has worked for the police department for 12 years and Molk has been on the force for 25 years.”In light of the trauma of this incident, the officers seem to be doing well,” Bonaiuto said. “They’re receiving support from their families and fellow officers. We anticipate they will be back on duty very soon.”Noto had been released from court a few hours after his wife, Ellen Noto, 55, took out a restraining order against him. He returned to the home and began an argument, violating the order, which prompted Ellen Noto to call police, authorities said.Prosecutors planned to arraign Noto at his Salem Hospital bed Tuesday but have been delayed indefinitely because doctors said he remains in critical condition.”He will be arraigned as soon as he is medically able to meaningfully participate in his arraignment,” Bonaiuto said.Police have charged Noto with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pulling out a firearm in addition to violating a restraining order and resisting arrest.Police Chief Robert Champagne said Monday authorities are investigating the possibility that Noto actually pulled out a starter pistol – the type of gun used to begin track meets.The day before the shooting Noto was charged with threatening to kill his wife. He was not initially arrested but rather told to leave the home for the night and not contact his wife. Instead, he called her a few minutes later and police would arrest him for threats.The wife was granted an emergency restraining order Sunday night. Noto was arraigned the next morning in Peabody District Court, where a judge released him after posting $750 cash bail.