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.
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.
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."