WESTMINSTER — A 22-year-old Westminster man died Monday after being shot by police who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a South Ashburnham Road residence, according to authorities.
Officers from the Westminster Police Department responded to the home at approximately 4:42 p.m. Monday to execute the warrant, according to an announcement from law enforcement officials.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual inside the residence. During the interaction, “the suspect held a large knife and moved towards the officers,” according to the announcement. Officers then discharged their department-issued firearms, striking the individual.
Police said officers immediately rendered medical aid at the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a Worcester-area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, according to the announcement.
No Westminster police officers were physically injured during the incident. Authorities said the shooting appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which officials described as standard protocol pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, along with the Westminster Police Department.
Authorities did not release the identity of the individual or additional details about the arrest warrant Monday evening.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
