Spencer Shooting: Man Shot Dead By Police Identified

SPENCER, MA—The 49-year-old man shot dead by a Spencer Police Officer during a domestic dispute last night has been identified as Walter H. Lynde of East Brookfield, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Lynde was shot as he was approaching a house at 160 Northwest Road in the town, a replica handgun located near him, according to authorities. He was transported to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester where he was pronounced dead.

Spencer Police had received a call reporting a domestic dispute at 8:06 p.m. Sunday night. When Officer Brandon Fullam arrived he talked with a woman at the home who said the suspect had left. The woman was advised to seek a restraining order in East Brookfield District Court on Monday morning.

A short time later, Officer Fullam spotted the suspect in his vehicle heading toward 160 Northwest Road and tried to stop him, but Lynde sped off and drove at speeds up to 80 mph, according to the DA.

In the driveway of the home, police ordered Lynde to stop and drop the gun. The officer fired one shot and the suspect collapsed before reaching the home.

Fullam is a six-year veteran of policing, the last year with the Spencer Police. He has been placed on administrative leave at this time. The victim in the domestic dispute will not be identified.

The investigation continues.

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