Spencer, Massachusetts—A police officer from Millbury was injured during a tense confrontation with an armed suspect Tuesday night, which ended with the suspect being shot dead. The incidents unfolded after Spencer police responded to a report of a gunshot victim on Main Street shortly after 5 p.m.
Authorities reported that within ten minutes of finding the wounded individual, officers located the suspected shooter at the Big Y Plaza on Route 9. Spencer Police Chief Michael Befford stated that as officers approached, the suspect brandished a firearm and opened fire on the police.
The suspect then fled into a nearby Family Dollar store, prompting a rapid evacuation of the store and surrounding businesses. With the situation escalating into a standoff, a SWAT team was deployed to the scene. Upon entering the store, they located the suspect barricaded in a bathroom.
According to Chief Befford, the suspect fired at the officers again, resulting in serious injuries to a Millbury officer. SWAT team members responded by returning fire, ultimately killing the gunman.
The injured officer, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, though he sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Millbury Police Chief Brian Lewos confirmed that the officer had been shot multiple times and requested the community to keep the officer and his family in their thoughts during this challenging time.
The name of the suspect involved in the shooting has not been released by law enforcement. As the investigation continues, both departments are working diligently to gather more information on the events that transpired.
Spencer, located about 50 miles west of Boston in Worcester County, remains a quiet town, now shaken by this violent incident, which underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and officer safety. Community members are coming together to support the officer and his family as they navigate this trying period.