Worcester man arrested after 13-hour standoff, accused of shooting 2 relatives, firing at officers

WORCESTER, Mass. — A 24-year-old armed suspect is in police custody after allegedly shooting two family members and then firing at officers during a 13-hour standoff on Friday, police said.

The two family members managed to get away and were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. None of the responding officers were injured. There was no immediate word on how the victims are related to the suspect.

Police on Saturday did not identify the man who was arrested, the charges he is facing or his arraignment date. Police said in a statement on Saturday morning that the man “faces many serious charges and will be arraigned in court.”

At about 8:38 a,m. Friday, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Colby Avenue home for a domestic incident in which a male who had shot two family members, police said. Officers arrived and spoke with a family member on scene.

Officers then saw the 24-year-old man who appeared to be carrying a handgun outside the home, police said. 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, police said. Neighbors in nearby houses were evacuated. Worcester’s reverse 911 system was used to contact residents in the area.

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 13 hours, officers attempted to persuade the man to leave the home, police said. 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 man fired his handgun at officers several times during the incident, and officers returned fire, police said.

Hours later, at about 9:30 p.m., the man took a step out of the rear of the home and was taken into custody with the assistance of a police K9, police said. He was treated medically by paramedics, placed under arrest and sent to the hospital.

Both of the victims and the suspect were treated at the hospital, and all are expected to survive.

“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 Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent in a statement on Saturday. “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 Worcester City Manager Eric Batista in a statement. “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.”

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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