Officer shot and injured responding to barricaded suspect in Spencer, police say

A police officer was injured in a shooting Tuesday evening while responding to a barricaded suspect in Spencer, Massachusetts, authorities said.

Police in Spencer urged the public to avoid the area of the Big Y plaza in a social media post just after 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Millbury Police Chief Brian Lewos said an officer with his department, who is also a member of the CEMLEC SWAT team, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. That officer was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

“We ask that you keep the officer, the officer’s family and fellow officers in mind during this difficult time,” Lewos said in a statement.

Route 9 is temporarily closed between West Main Street and South Spencer Road, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said.

State police said troopers and local officers “continue their work to achieve a peaceful resolution of the situation,” also saying that people should avoid the area. They said the suspect is barricaded inside a business.

ATF Boston confirmed their agents were also responding to assist local law enforcement.

No further information was immediately available.