Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, experienced a brief shelter-in-place order as police searched for an armed suspect linked to a fatal shooting. Residents were urged to remain indoors while law enforcement conducted a manhunt in the Jordan Pond neighborhood. The order was lifted after a 26-year-old suspect was taken into custody. The shooting incident involved a 57-year-old victim who confronted a graffiti vandal. Local authorities are investigating further and ensuring community safety.
Shrewsbury
Shelter-in-place order issued and lifted after arrest — A shelter-in-place alert was issued for residents in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as police conducted a manhunt in the Jordan Pond neighborhood for an armed and dangerous suspect. The order covered streets near Edgewater Avenue and Plainfield Avenue while local and state law enforcement, including specialized tactical units and aerial support, searched the area. The lockdown was lifted once officers took a 26-year-old suspect into custody and residents were allowed to resume normal activities.
Key developments
Police found and arrested a 26-year-old man who was known to local authorities in connection with a fatal shooting earlier the same day, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The shooting left a 57-year-old man dead after an altercation that began when the victim confronted someone allegedly spray-painting graffiti on a bridge. The victim had just escorted his 6-year-old to Coolidge Elementary School before the confrontation. Emergency dispatchers reported hearing gunfire on a 911 call related to the incident. The injured man was located at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, transported to a hospital, and later died from his injuries.
During the search later in the day, video circulated showing a shirtless man surrendering in the street; authorities later took a 26-year-old into custody, though initial footage did not confirm the person’s involvement in the earlier shooting. Neighbors reported prior problems with the suspect, including graffiti and reckless driving. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in Westboro District Court on charges related to the confrontation and shooting.
Public safety actions and school status
Shrewsbury police asked residents to remain indoors and avoid the Jordan Pond area while ground and aerial operations were underway. A visible law enforcement presence included local police officers, state troopers, and tactical teams. As a precaution, Coolidge Elementary School was secured; officials confirmed the school was not directly involved in the shooting and that all students and staff were accounted for and safe. Law enforcement lifted the shelter-in-place order after the arrest was completed.
Community response and concerns
The incident raised immediate concern among neighbors about local safety and repeated complaints about the suspect’s prior conduct. Residents reported past encounters involving graffiti and dangerous driving behavior attributed to the same individual. City and police officials described the event as a serious, avoidable loss and offered condolences to the victim’s family while investigators continued to gather evidence.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
Investigators continue to process the scene from the shooting and review witness statements, recordings, and available video. The arrest does not end the investigative work: authorities will present charges to the district court and proceed through standard legal steps, including arraignment. Police have not released further details about potential motives beyond the initial report that the victim confronted someone spray-painting a bridge.
What residents need to know now
- Normal activity may resume in areas where the shelter-in-place order was lifted, but residents should follow any remaining instructions from local law enforcement.
- Parents and guardians with children at Coolidge Elementary were told the school was secured as a precaution; students and staff were safe during the event.
- Officials recommend reporting any relevant tips or information about the incident to the Shrewsbury Police Department to assist the ongoing investigation.
FAQ
What happened in Shrewsbury?
A 57-year-old man was shot after confronting someone spray-painting graffiti on a bridge. Later that day, police issued a shelter-in-place order while searching for an armed suspect; a 26-year-old known to police was taken into custody and the shelter order was lifted.
Is the suspect in custody?
Yes. Law enforcement arrested a 26-year-old man during the search and took him into custody. He is expected to be arraigned in Westboro District Court on charges related to the incident.
Was Coolidge Elementary School involved?
Coolidge Elementary was secured as a precaution during the police operation, but it was not the scene of the shooting. All students and staff were reported safe.
When did the shooting occur?
The fatal shooting occurred on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
What should residents do if they have information?
Residents with relevant information are asked to contact the Shrewsbury Police Department to assist the investigation. Non-emergency channels are preferred unless immediate danger is present.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of fatal shooting | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| Victim | 57-year-old man who had just walked his 6-year-old to Coolidge Elementary |
| Suspect | 26-year-old man known to police; taken into custody |
| Neighborhood searched | Jordan Pond area — Edgewater Avenue and Plainfield Avenue |
| School status | Coolidge Elementary secured as a precaution; students and staff safe |
| Legal next step | Suspect expected to be arraigned in Westboro District Court |
| Law enforcement involved | Shrewsbury Police, state troopers, specialized tactical units, aerial support |
| Public guidance | Follow police instructions; report tips to the Shrewsbury Police Department |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Shrewsbury Search for Armed and Dangerous Suspect
- Google Search: Shrewsbury armed dangerous suspect
- Boston Globe: Shrewsbury Gunman Incident
- Wikipedia: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
- Mass Live: Police Presence in Shrewsbury
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shrewsbury
- WHDH: Shrewsbury Police Searching for Suspect
- Google News: Shrewsbury police suspect
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