Massachusetts Shooting: Armed Suspect Barricaded at Family Dollar in Spencer

A major police operation is currently underway in Spencer, Massachusetts, after an armed suspect barricaded themselves inside a local business. State and local law enforcement have cordoned off the Big Y Plaza on Route 9 following reports of a shooting on Tuesday evening, February 3. A heavy police presence remains on-site as crisis negotiators attempt to reach a peaceful resolution.

The incident began shortly before 6:00 pm on Tuesday when local police received reports of gunfire at the shopping complex. Eyewitnesses indicated that a suspect had taken cover inside the Family Dollar store.

WATCH: Heavy police presence at Big Y Plaza in Spencer, Massachusetts amid possible shooting; suspect barricaded inside Family Dollar — NBC Boston/BNO https://t.co/ZgHyfTseS2pic.twitter.com/2FvOZS2bo3

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) February 4, 2026

The Massachusetts State Police, assisted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Boston, quickly responded to the shooting incident at Big Y Plaza.

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has closed Route 9 in both directions between West Main Street and South Spencer Road.

ATF Boston agents are responding to a police incident in Spencer, MA to assist our law enforcement partners. pic.twitter.com/Xuc77tlKB1

— ATF Boston (@ATFBoston) February 4, 2026

The Spencer Police Department issued an urgent social media alert advising residents and motorists to avoid the vicinity of the Big Y Plaza. "State and local police continue their work to achieve a peaceful resolution of the situation," a spokesperson for the State Police confirmed. "Members of the public are requested to remain clear of the active scene."