Police in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, shot a man Sunday morning after he allegedly pointed a gun directly at an officer, according to the city's mayor and police department.
Fitchburg police say they received a 911 call around 9:21 a.m. for a man armed with a gun, walking with no shirt on towards Lunenburg Street. When an officer encountered the man, he got out of his police vehicle and attempted to deescalate the situation, however, moments later the man allegedly aimed his gun toward the officer.
According to police, the officer discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the man. The officer immediately began to render medical aid to the injured man, police said.
The man was stable at the scene and taken to an area hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to police. His name has not been released.
Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia said in a Facebook post that the man, who was allegedly making suicidal statements, was taken to the hospital by medical helicopter after the incident on Howard Street.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
According to police, the officer involved in the shooting is a 2-year veteran of the department. He has been placed on administrative leave, as is required by policy. His name has not been released.
Fitchburg police are working with Massachusetts State Police and Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early's office, who will be investigating the police shooting moving forward.
