By Jerry Filmore
A series of violent events in Spencer on Tuesday evening resulted in a police standoff that left a suspected gunman dead and a Millbury police officer hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. The incident began at a private residence and ended inside a retail store at a local shopping plaza.
Initial Response and Pursuit Just after 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, the Spencer Police Department received a call reporting a shooting at a multi-family home on Main Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. That victim was transported for medical care, though officials have not yet released details regarding their condition.
Approximately twelve minutes later, police located a person matching the description of the suspected shooter near West Main Street, in the vicinity of the Spencer Fair Shopping Center which houses a Big Y supermarket. When officers attempted to approach the individual, the suspect fired a weapon toward them before fleeing into the Family Dollar store located within the plaza.
Police successfully evacuated staff and customers from the store before the situation evolved into a barricade.
Standoff at the Shopping Plaza A large law enforcement response converged on the scene, including officers from the Massachusetts State Police, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the regional SWAT team from the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC).
According to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, a Millbury police officer serving as a member of the SWAT team entered the store with other officers and a negotiator. They located the suspect hiding in a closed bathroom area at the rear of the building.
Prosecutors stated that the suspect fired from the bathroom, striking the Millbury officer multiple times. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Condition and Community Safety The injured officer was transported to a hospital in Worcester. As of Tuesday night, the Millbury Police Department reported that the officer was in stable condition with injuries considered non-life-threatening. The officer’s name has not been released.
Spencer Police Chief Michael Befford described the shootings as a targeted event and stated there is no ongoing threat to the general public. A section of Route 9 near the shopping center was closed for several hours on Tuesday night as investigators processed the scene.
The investigation is being led by Worcester County prosecutors. Authorities have indicated that the identity of the suspect will be released following notification of next of kin.
Local Reaction The heavy police presence, which included tactical vehicles and a drone, drew concern from residents and those at nearby businesses. Witnesses described a tense scene as the shopping plaza was evacuated. Both the Spencer and Millbury police chiefs have asked the community to keep the injured officer and the initial shooting victim in their thoughts during this difficult time.
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🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
Project / Topic: Spencer Shooting and Police Standoff
Current Status: Investigation active; suspect deceased
Key Dates or Decisions: Incident occurred February 3, 2026
Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not applicable
Timeline (if known): Initial shooting at 5:00 p.m.; standoff concluded Tuesday evening
Immediate Next Steps: Release of suspect identity pending family notification
Primary Sources: Spencer Police Department, Millbury Police Department, Worcester County District Attorney
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