For Immediate Release: 7/8/2023 11:31 am
On July 7th 2023 at about 8:38 AM, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Colby Ave address for a domestic incident in which a male who had shot two family members, but of whom left the scene before police arrived. Officers arrived and spoke with a family member on scene. Officers saw the twenty-four-year-old male suspect outside the residence. He appeared to be carrying a handgun. Officers ordered him to get on the ground. He initially complied before jumping up, firing at officers, and running inside the house.
Once officers confirmed that the victims were out of the house and the suspect was alone, they set up a perimeter around the house. Neighbors in nearby houses were evacuated and others were notified of the situation through reverse 911. The Worcester Police Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT Team, K9 Unit, drone operators and a Mobile Crisis mental health clinician responded to the scene.
For approximately thirteen hours, officers attempted to persuade the male to leave the residence. Hostage negotiators continually attempted to make contact, the drone provided valuable aerial video, and SWAT officers maintained the perimeter. Worcester Paramedics and Firefighters were standing by. The male fired his handgun at officers on several different occasions during the incident, and officers returned fire. Finally, at about 9:30 PM, the male took a step out of the rear of the residence and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9. He was treated medically by paramedics, placed under arrest and transported to the hospital.
Both of the victims and the suspect were treated at the hospital, and all are expected to survive. The suspect faces many serious charges and will be arraigned in court.
“I would like to thank CEMLEC, Auburn PD, Fire Department, Worcester EMS, who all provided crucial assistance to our officers during this lengthy incident. In addition, the neighbors were very helpful to everyone on scene and we appreciate their patience and help,” said Chief Steven Sargent. “Our officers train very hard to prepare for these types of critical incidents, and I am proud of the courage, restraint, and professionalism they showed.”
“I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Worcester Police Department. We never want to see incidents like this occur but when they do it’s critical that we have public safety officials that are trained and ready to respond,” said City Manager Eric Batista. “I am grateful for the assistance of the Mobile Community Crisis Response field clinicians who were on hand to assist and look forward to continuing to respond to our community’s needs together.”
