Suspect Dies Following Manhunt, Standoff That Shut Down Major MA Highway

LOWELL, MA — A homicide suspect is dead following a massive manhunt and standoff that closed I-495 in Lowell on Tuesday, according to local and state officials.

It all began at the Shops at Highland Commons parking lot in Berlin at 3:30 p.m.

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Related: 2 Dead After Shooting In Berlin, I-495 Highway Standoff

Police responded to a shooting at the plaza. Emergency responders arrived to find a person injured from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was later declared dead at the scene of the shooting, according to a statement from Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early.

A witness followed the suspect vehicle onto I-495 northbound. Police were able to bring the pickup truck to a stop on the highway near the Lowell Connector.

This led to a standoff that closed down the highway in both directions. Delays extended into the night on the northbound side of I-495.

Related: State Police Shut Down Major MA Highway During Apparent Standoff

The standoff ended after armored police vehicles moved in to trap the vehicle. Police used a robot dog and a small drone to gain entry to the pickup truck, NBC 10 Boston reported.

At some point during the long standoff, the suspect died due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the district attorney's statement.