CAMBRIDGE, MA — A man was fatally shot by police Friday night after allegedly pointing a firearm at officers, prompting a subsequent investigation by local and state law enforcement officials.
The man, who was in his 60s, was shot shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, on Temple Street, according to Cambridge Police and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's Office. His identity had not been released as of Monday morning.
Cambridge Police responded after receiving a call on the department's business line reporting suspicious individuals in a loading dock and parking lot behind area businesses. The caller told police the individuals had been in the area for an extended period of time. Officers arrived and began speaking with multiple people at the scene. According to investigators, the man was seated in a vehicle when police arrived before allegedly getting out and pointing a firearm at officers.
Police officers attempted to physically disarm the man before multiple shots were fired, striking him. A loaded firearm was recovered from the man. Medical aid was provided at the scene, but he was pronounced dead. Several officers were also transported to area hospitals as a precaution before being treated and released.
The fatal shooting remains under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office, and Cambridge Police. Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing available video from the area. All responding officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, and that footage is also being reviewed.
"Any loss of life is tragic, and our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the person who lost their life, and those impacted in our community," Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Yi-An Huang said in a joint statement Sunday.
City officials said the district attorney's office is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting and Cambridge Police is cooperating with the process. Additional information is expected to be released once investigators determine it can be made public.
Cambridge officials also plan to host several open office hour sessions this week for residents with questions or concerns following the shooting. Police Commissioner Pauline Wells will be available Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Street Theory Collective, 541 Massachusetts Ave., while Siddiqui will hold office hours Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cambridge City Hall. Huang will host another session Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., with a location yet to be announced.
Under state law, the district attorney's office is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings. The Middlesex District Attorney's Office has also requested inquests in fatal officer-involved shootings since 2018.
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