A major overnight police response unfolded in Sturbridge after authorities were called to investigate a reported shooting at the Sturbridge Plaza Hotel, where an SUV was found lodged inside the building.
Sturbridge police confirmed officers responded alongside Massachusetts State Police to the hotel at 400 Haynes Street at approximately 12:55 a.m. Thursday.
When investigators arrived, they encountered a scene that quickly drew the attention of local and state law enforcement.
A dark-colored SUV could be seen lodged in the hotel near the pool area. Video from the scene showed the vehicle embedded in a first-floor section of the three-story hotel with significant front-end damage.
Officials said there appeared to be no additional damage beyond where the vehicle struck the building.
The SUV remained at the scene for hours as investigators examined the area.
Police and investigators were seen looking around the vehicle and placing evidence markers nearby as the investigation continued into the early morning hours.
The vehicle was eventually towed from the scene.
Authorities confirmed the investigation stems from a report of a shooting connected to the crash.
Few details about what occurred leading up to the incident have been publicly released.
Sturbridge police said additional information is still being gathered and asked the public to avoid speculation while investigators conduct what they described as a thorough and complete investigation.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sturbridge Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
State police personnel remained on scene for several hours Thursday morning.
An eyewitness staying at the hotel described hearing gunshots before looking outside.
According to the eyewitness, a woman drove an SUV into the side of the hotel before exiting the vehicle.
The witness said the woman was shouting, “Where are you? Where are you?” before firing three shots.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed details provided by the witness.
Investigators have not released information regarding possible victims, the condition of the driver, or whether anyone inside the hotel was injured.
Officials have also not released information regarding possible arrests.
Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were observed at the scene during the investigation.
Evidence markers could be seen surrounding portions of the scene as investigators worked to document what occurred.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
As daylight broke over Sturbridge, investigators continued processing the scene and gathering evidence in an effort to determine exactly what happened during the chaotic incident.
For now, many questions remain unanswered.
What led up to the SUV crashing into the hotel, who may have been involved, and what exactly occurred in the moments before and after the reported gunfire remain under active investigation.
Authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes available.