By Tiffany Williams –
SPENCER, MASS. — A tense standoff unfolded Tuesday evening as Massachusetts State Police reported a suspect barricaded inside a business at the Big Y plaza, sending law enforcement scrambling and forcing a temporary shutdown of Route 9.
Police urged the public to steer clear of the area just after 6 p.m., warning that the situation remained active and dangerous. State police confirmed that troopers and local officers “continue their work to achieve a peaceful resolution of the situation,” emphasizing caution for residents and drivers.
MassDOT confirmed Route 9 between West Main Street and South Spencer Road was temporarily closed while authorities worked to contain the incident.
Details remained scarce, but sources say a Millbury Police Officer was transported to a hospital, highlighting the risks officers faced confronting the suspect. Early reports indicate the suspect is now down, though officials have yet to release further information.
Residents in the area were advised to avoid the plaza and surrounding streets while authorities maintain a heavy presence, conducting a methodical response to ensure public safety.
State police are continuing to investigate the events leading to the barricade and will release more details as they become available. The situation underscores the unpredictable dangers officers face when confronting armed suspects in confined public spaces.
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Laura Soukkavong, DeJaune Jones, Dylan Azari, and Rylie Mitchell contributed to this article.