Police in the United States have apprehended a 24-year-old man following the shooting of two of his family members.
The Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts, USA issued a statement, revealing that the incident took place on Friday, July 7, 2023, at around 8:30 in the morning.
It took approximately 13 hours for the police to successfully arrest the suspect.
The suspect, according to reports, is a former student of Wenchi Senior High School who currently resides in Worcester with his family.
According to the police, officers were dispatched to a residence on Colby Ave in response to a domestic incident involving a male suspect who had shot two family members.
However, when the police arrived at the scene, the suspect had already fled. Officers spoke with a family member present and noticed the suspect, who appeared to be carrying a handgun, outside the residence.
The officers ordered him to get on the ground, and initially, he complied. However, he suddenly jumped up, fired at the officers, and ran back into the house.
🇬🇭🇺🇸A 24-year-old Ghanaian accused of shooting 2 relatives was shot, and bit by police dog before getting arrested ending a 13-hour standoff where gunfire was exchanged in Massachusetts.
— Kenneth Awotwe Darko (@TheKennethDarko) July 10, 2023
He will be arraigned today. pic.twitter.com/WEH6eUhuzU
In response, a police team comprising the Police Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT Team, K9 Unit, drone operators, and a Mobile Crisis mental health clinician swiftly arrived at the scene.
“For approximately thirteen hours, officers attempted to persuade the male to leave the residence. Hostage negotiators continually attempted to make contact, the drone provided valuable aerial video, and SWAT officers maintained the perimeter. Worcester Paramedics and Firefighters were standing by. The male fired his handgun at officers on several different occasions during the incident, and officers returned fire. Finally, at about 9:30 PM, the male took a step out of the rear of the residence and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9. He was treated medically by paramedics, placed under arrest and transported to the hospital,” the police said in a statement.
Local media says his injuries included a dog bite and a gunshot wound.
They ensured the safe evacuation of the victims from the house, leaving the suspect inside.
Both the suspect and the two victims sustained injuries and received medical treatment at a hospital. The suspect is now facing numerous serious charges related to the incident.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment today, July 10, 2023.
The motive behind the suspect’s actions is still under investigation, as authorities work to establish a clearer understanding of the events that transpired.