A 24-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly threatened another person with a large kitchen knife and then attempted to charge at Kissimmee police officers.

According to the Kissimmee Police Department, officers responded to the 2200 block of Cross Timbers Place at around 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly made contact with an individual – later identified as Nicholas Efrain Rosario – who was sitting on the sidewalk while armed with a large kitchen knife.

Nicholas Efrain Rosario - Suspect standing and reportedly refusing to drop a large knife
When KPD officers made contact with Nicholas Efrain Rosario, he was reportedly holding a large kitchen knife that he refused to drop. (Photo: Kissimmee Police Department)

Throughout the encounter, officers reportedly “remained calm and patient, working to peacefully resolve the situation,” according to KPD. The department noted that officers established communication and gave Rosario multiple opportunities to safely surrender.

While investigating the incident, officers learned that Rosario had allegedly threatened another person with the knife before leaving a nearby residence, a detail the agency said made an “already dangerous situation even more serious.”

Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Rosario allegedly refused to comply and repeatedly threatened to charge at the officers. When Rosario suddenly advanced toward them while still armed,  the officers “acted quickly by deploying a Taser.”  

Nicholas Efrain Rosario - The location where the large kitchen knife was reportedly recovered by KPD officers.
Shortly after tasering Nicholas Efrain Rosario, KPD officers reportedly located the large kitchen knife nearby. (Photo: Kissimmee Police Department)

Rosario was safely taken into custody, and the knife was secured. There were no serious injuries reported.

Nicholas Efrain Rosario - A KPD officer holding a large kitchen knife that was allegedly recovered from the suspect
A KPD officer holding the large kitchen knife that was recovered at the incident location. (Photo: Kissimmee Police Department)

The Kissimmee Police Department commended the actions of its officers, noting that the dangerous encounter ended with no loss of life due to their “professionalism, patience, sound judgment, and teamwork.”

In a social media post, KPD stated,”Our officers are trained to make difficult decisions in rapidly evolving situations. While they will always act to protect the public and themselves when faced with an imminent threat, they also recognize that whenever it is safe and reasonable to do so, slowing things down, communicating, and using de-escalation can help bring about the best possible outcome.”

Nicholas Efrain Rosario
Nicholas Efrain Rosario (Osceola County Jail booking photo)

Rosario was arrested and booked into Osceola County Jail. He is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest without violence.